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W^fVEfiSfTY  OF         '  ' 
IU=mO\S  LIBRARY 
At  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 

ILLINOIS  HISTORICAL  SURVEY 


PICTORIAL    HISTORY 


WAR  FOR  THE  MM. 


A   COMPLfiTE    AND   EBLIABLB     __^ 
Fr.OM  ITS  • 

COMMENCEMENT    TO   ITS    CLOSE: 

SiVIKS  A  GRAPHIC   PICTCRE  OF  ITS  ENCOUNTERS,  THRILLING  INCIDENTS,  FRIGHTFUL  SCENES,  HAIB* 
BREADTH   ESCAPES,   INDIVIDUAL  DARING,    DESPERATE   CHARGES,   PERSONAL  ANECDOTES, 

ETC.,  GLEANED  FROM  El'E-WITXESSES  OF,  AND  PARTICIPANTS  IN,  THE  TERRIBLE  y 

SCENES   DESCRIBED — A  TRUTHFUL  LIVING   REFLEX  OP  ALL  MATTERa 
OF  INTEREST   CONNECTED   WITH  THIS  THE   MOST 
GIGANTIC  OF  HUMAN  STRUGGLES. 

TOGETHER  WITH  A  COMPLETE  CHEONOLOGICAL  ANALYSIS  OP  THE  WAB. 


By  MES.   ANN  S.   STEPHENS. 
EMBELLISHED  WITH  OVER  TWO  HUNDRED  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


TWO    VOLUMES. 


VOL   I. 

CINCINNATI: 
JAMES    R.    HAWLEY,    164    VINE    STREET, 

PUBLISHER    OF    SUBSCRIPTION    BOOKS. 

18C3. 


Entered,  according  to  A-A  of  Congress,  In  the  year  196S, 
By   J  OHN    0.    WELLS, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  Southern  DlstrM  «( 

New  York. 


EDWARD    0.   JENKINS, 

$r(nttr  St  iSttrtotupcT, 
No.  SO  North  Wiixiam  St. 


r 


^Tff-f^ 


HE  most  difficult  task,  perhaps,  known  to  literature,  13 
to  write  a  history  of  events  as  they  transpire — to  arrange 
facts  before  the  hand  of  time  has  given  them  just  posi- 
tion and  importance.  In  writing  a  history  of  the  Civil 
War  which  is  now  raging  in  the  land — the  most  gigantic 
and  stupendous  rebellion  yet  known  to  the  world — the 
magnitude  of  the  task,  and  the  difficulties  that  present 
themselves,  challenge  a  degree  of  moral  courage  almost 
equal  to  that  physical  bravery  which  has  been  so  con- 
spicuous in  the  war.  But  if  an  honest  intention  to  be  just — a  thorough  desire 
for  truth,  and  a  determination  to  discard  all  personal  prejudices,  can  produce 
a  faithful  history,  this  work  has  a  right  to  claim  acceptance. 

The  political  history  of  a  nation,  when  it  merges  into  armed  strife,  is  gen- 
erally a  record  of  prejudices  and  of  passion  :  civil  war  is  the  result.  In  this 
work  the  author  deals  not  with  causes,  but  with  the  terrible  events  that  spring 
out  of  them ;  avoiding  so  far  as  possible  the  threatening  clouds  of  political 
dissension  that  preceded  and  still  follow  the  tempest.  Time,  which  will  clear 
up  obscurities  and  remove  passion,  and  the  intellect  of  a  great  statesman,  are 
necessary,  before  the  political  and  military  history  of  this  war  can  be  fittingly 
united. 

In  this  book  there  is  a  positive  rejection  of  those  partizan  dissensions  which 
have  burst  asunder  the  sacred  ties  of  the  greatest  nation  on  earth,  and  deluged 
the  soil  trodden  by  millions  of  happy  men  with  the  blood  of  as  brave  a  sol- 
diery as  ever  drew  breath.  This  history  of  the  "War  for  the  Union  is  written 
for  no  faction — no  party — no  combination  of  men,  but  for  the  people  of  every 


8  ,     INTRODUCnON. 

portion  of  the  Union.  Political  passions  die — BUbtory  lives ;  and  in  an  enlight- 
eneQ  age  like  this,  it  must-  be  written  in  simple  truth,  or  the  clear-sighted 
generations  that  follow  us  will  detect  the  sophistry  and  falsehood.  Impartial 
history  demands  honest  facts.  The  opinions  of  an  historian  are  but  the 
assumptions  of  one  mind  attempting  to  control  multitudes.  The  author's 
duty  is  to  give  details,  allowing  the  intelligent  reader  to  draw  his  own  conclu- 
sions unembarrassed  by  obtrusive  opinions,  which  are  in  all  cases  liable  to  be 
influenced  by  prejudices. 

The  History  of  the  War  for  the  Union  is  a  record  of  stupendous  Qvents 
which  have  given  grandeur  to  the  American  arms  and  sorrow  to  every  good 
American  heart.  Taking  up  the  thread  of  events  where  the  political  history 
of  the  nation  left  them  on  the  fourth  of  March,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty- 
one,  the  author  has  followed  the  ensanguined  track,  giving  to  every  battle-field 
its  place,  and  every  heroic  act  its  record.  The  sources  of  information  in  which 
the  work  has  found  its  existence,  have  been  authentic  reports  from  the  War 
Department,  the  official  statements  of  commandants  on  the  battle-field,  and 
the  many  thrilling  and  graphic  descriptions  furnished  by  eye-witnesses. 

In  giving  due  credit  to  those  persons  who  have  aided  her  in  the  rapid  com- 
pletion of  her  first  volume,  the  author  acknowledges  her  great  obligation  to 
Wm.  Oland  Bouene,  Esq.,  who  has  devoted  much  time  to  the  work,  and 
whose  ample  collection  of  material  for  history  has  been  freely  used  in  its  pre- 
paration ;  and  to  J.  J.  Golder,  Esq.,  whose  research  and  clear  judgment  in 
sifting  truth  from  error,  arranging  facts,  and  superintending  the  work  in  its 
progress  through  the  press,  has  enabled  her  to  place  it  before  the  public  in  less 
than  three  months  from  its  commencement.  To  Mr.  Golder's  critical  care  the 
reader  is  indebted  for  the  compact  and  excellent  Chronology  attached  to  this 
volume,  in  which  all  the  historical  events  of  the  war  are  placed  in  their  order 
of  succession. 

In  the  mechanical  and  artistic  execution  of  the  work,  the  publisher  has 
evinced  an  enthusiasm  which  corresponds  nobly  with  the  great  subject  of  the 
history,  and  has  been  even  lavish,  in  pictorial  embellishments.  These  have 
been  all  drawn  and  engraved  expressly  for  this  work,  at  great  cost;  and  in  the 
truthfulness  and  beauty  of  their  execution,  add  to  the  high  reputation  already 
attained  by  the  artists,  Messrs.  Waters  and  Son. 

New  York,  October  1,  1862.  AUN  S.  STEPHENa 


CONTENTS 


PACK 

Introduction 7 

Inauguration  of  President  Lincoln 17 

Tbe  coming  tempest — The  national  forbearance — Mustering  of  rebel  troops — 
Ettbrts  for  conciliation — The  Border  States — South  Carolina — Investment  of  Fort 
Sumter— The  Star  of  the  West — Gen.  Beauregard. 

Fortifications  in  Charleston  Harbor, 25 

The  iron  floating  battery — Cummings  Point  battery — Castle  Pinckney. 

Bombardment  of  Fort  Sumter • 28 

Storming  of  Fort  Sumter,  viewed  frona  the  land — Naval  expedition  for  the  relief 
of  Fort  Sumter. 

Tbe  Nation's  Response : 40 

Startling  eflFect  of  the  news  of  the  attack  on  Sumter — The  President's  Proclama- 
tion— Departure  of  troops  for  Washington  —  Enthusiasm  of  the  people — Their 
devotion  to  the  national  Union — Large  contributions  to  aid  the  Government. 

Reinforcement  of  Fort  Pickens 46 

The  harbor  of  Pensacola  —  Forts  McRae  and  Barrancas  —  Description  of  Fort 
Pickens— Its  investment  by  rebel  troops  under  Gen.  Bragg — The  Federal  fleet  in 
the  harbor — Successful  landing  of  troops  and  supplies. 

Burning  of  Harper's  Ferry  Arsenal 49 

Through  Baltimore 5d 

Arrival  of  the  Massachusetts  Sixth,  Col.  Jones,  in  Baltimore — Blockade  of  the 
streets — Attack  by  the  mob — Defence  of  the  military — Terrible  results— The  regi- 
mental band — The  city  authorities— Intense  excitement  of  the  citizens — Penn- 
sylvania troops — Mayor  Brown  and  Marshal  Kane. 

Military  Occupation  of  Annapolis,  Md, 61 

The  Eighth  Massachusetts  and  the  Seventh  New  York — Gen.  Butler — Gov.  Hicks 
— the  frigate  Constitution — the  Naval  Academy — March  to  the  Junction. 

Maryland. 66 

Efforts  of  secessionists  to  involve  the  State  in  rebellion — Patriotic  devotion  of 
loyal  citizens — Gov.  Hicks — The  State  Legislature — Gen.  Butler  in  Maryland — Gen. 
Cadwallader — The  habeas  corpus  act — Chief-Justice  Taney. 

Destruction  of  Gosport  Navy  Yard. 73 

The  State  of  the  Nation  before  its  Troops  entered  Virginia 76 

Response  of  the  Governors  of  Maryland,  Delaware,  North  Carolina,  Kentucky,  and 
Missouri,  to  the  President's  Proclamation — The  position  of  Virginia — The'  Con- 
federate Congress,  at  Montgomery — Jefierson  Davis — The  Confederate  army— Let- 
ters of  Marque — Postal  communication — Tennessee  and  Arkansas — Border  States 
Convention — Position  of  Missouri. 

Occupation  of  Alexandria,  Va. 83 

Assassination  of  Col.  Ellsworth— The  Marshall  House — J.  W.  Jackson — Brownell 
Sketch  of  Ellsworth— Defection  of  Gen.  Lee — Lieut.  Tompkins'  scout  to-  Fairfax 
Court  House.  ^. 

Battle  of  Great  Bethel B8 

Death  of  Major  Winthrop  and  Lieut.  Greble. 

The  Ambuscade  at  Vienna,  Va 01 


10  CONTENTS. 

PASa 

Review  at  "Washington 93 

Advance  of  the  Grand  Army 94 

Position  of  the  belligerent  forces  — Gen.  McDowell— Gen.  Patterson— Gen.  Johnston 
— Gen.  Beauregard — Advance  to  Fairfax  and  Geutreville — Battle  of  Ulackbnru's 
Ford. 

The  Battle  of  Bull  Run 98 

The  Federal  Commanders  and  the  movements  of  tbeir  forces — The  engagement — 
Arrival  of  rebel  reinforcements— The  climax  and  the  retreat — Th«  battle  on  the 
left  wing— The  battle-field  at  night. 

Western  Virginia 12^ 

Battle  of  Pliillipi,  Va ! 131 

Destruction  of  Railroad  Property. 133 

Gen,  McClellan  in  Western  Virginia 133 

Battle  of  Scareytown 134 

Battle  of  Rich  Mountain 135 

Battle  of  Carrick's  Ford. . . ; » 137 

Gen.   Rosecrans  and  Col.  Lander — Gen.  Morris— Capt.  Benbam — Defeat  of  the 

rebel  forces  and  death  of  Gen.  Garnett. 

The  West » 141 

Missouri 143 

Capture  of  Camp  Jackson :    144 

Decisive  action  of  Capt.  Lvon — Gen.  Frost— The  Missouri  Legislature — Gov.  Jack- 
son— Gen.  Harney — Gen.  Price — Gen.  Lyon  ai>pointed  to  command  the  Department. 

Cairo 150 

Battle  of  Booneville 151 

Battle  of  Carthage 153 

Battle  of  Monroe,  Mo 154 

Guerrilla  Bands  in  Missouri 155 

Gen.  Pope  in  Northern  Missouri — State  Convention  at  Jefl"erson  Cit)' — Gen.  Fre- 
mont at  8t.  Louis— Invasion  of  the  State  by  Gens.  Pillow  and  Jeff.  Thompsoa — 
Address  of  the  State  Convention. 

Battle  of  Dug  Springs 156 

Skirmish  at  Athens,  Mo 157 

Battle  of  Wilson's  Creek 159 

Gen.  Lyon  at  Springfield— Gens.  Price  and  McCuIloch— Critical  position  of  the 
Federal  army — The  battle — The  death  of  Gea  Lyon— Retreat  of  the  Union  army. 

Kentucky 164 

The  neutrality  of  the  State — Position  of  Gov.  MagofBn — Gen,  Buckner — Geo,  Mc- 
Clellan—The  State  Legislature — Decisive  Union  measures. 

The  Occupation  of  Paducah 168 

Rebel  troops  ordered  to  withdraw  from  Kentucky — Attempt  to  form  a  revolution- 
ary government  in  the  State— Military  movements  of  the  rebels  in  Kentucky— The 
loyal  State  government. 

Naval  Operations 175 

The  Expedition  to  Cape  Hatteras 177 

Capture  of  Forts  Ilatteras  and  ClarV ■. 180 

Western  Virginia 182 

Surprise  at  Cross  Lanes l83 

Battle  JF  Camifex  Ferry 183 

Battle  of  Cheat  itountain  Pass 186 


CONTENTS.  11 

PAOB 

Engagement  at  Chapmansville 188 

Reconnoissance  at  Green  Brier,  Western  Virginia 180 

Defence  of  Lexington,  Mo 193 

The  Federal  forces  for  the  defence  of  the  town — Col.  Mulligan  and  the  Chicago 
brigade — Cols.  Marshall  and  Peabody — Advance  of  Gen.  Price's  army — The  in- 
vestment— The  attack — Bravery  of  the  Federal  garrison — Their  endurance  and 
privations — The  surrender. 

Attack  on  Santa  Rosa  Island,  Fla 199 

Battle  of  Ball's  Bluff,  Va 200 

Position  of  the  Federal  forces  on  the  Potomac — Gen.  Stone — Col.  Baker — Thepro- 
j)osed  reconnoissance — Transportation  of  the  troops — The  topography  of  the  Vir- 
ginia shore — The  engagement— Death  of  Col.  Baker — Defeat  of  the  Federal  troops 
— Disastrous  retreat — Gens.  McClellan  and  Banks  at  Edwards  Ferry — Sketch  of 
Col.  Baker. 

Battle  at  Camp  Wild  Cat,  Ky 210 

Battle  of  Romney,  Va 212 

Battle  of  Frederickton,  Mo / 213 

Charge  of  Fremont's  Body-Guard  at  Springfield,  Mo...- 217 

The  Department  of  Missouri 220 

General  review  of  the  Department — Gen.  Lyon — Gen.  Fremont — His  proclamation 
and  its  modification  by  the  President — Organization  of  the  Federal  forces — Their 
advance — Negotiations  with  Gen.  Price— Gen.  Fremont  removed — Appointment  of 
Gen.  Hunter — Retreat  of  the  Federal  army — The  disloyal  Legislature — Advanco 
of  the  rebel  forces — Recruiting — Gen.  Halleck. 

The  Stone  Fleet 225 

Battle  of  Camp  Alleghany,  Western  Virginia 228 

Battle  of  Munfordsville,  Ky 230 

Capture  of  Rebel  Recruits  at  Milford,  Mo 232 

Battle  of  Dranesville,  Va 238 

Expedition  to  Ship  Island '   241 

Engagement  at  Mount  Zion,  Mo 242 

Arkansas  and  the  Indians 243 

Bombardment  at  Fort  Pickens 245 

Rout  of  Gen.  Marshall  at  Paintsville,  Ky 247 

Battle  of  Middle  Creek,  Ky 248 

Battle  of  Silver  Creek,  Mo 251 

Battle  of  Mill  Spring,  Ky 255 

Investment  of  Fort  Pulaski,  Ga 263 

New  Mexico  and  Arizona . . .' 266 

Battle  of  Valvende,  KM 267 

Battle  of  Apache  Cafion ^ 270 

Fight  at  Blooming  Gap,  Va 273 

East  Tennessee  under  Confederate  rule 275 

The  loyalty  and  devotion  of  the  people — Despotism  of  the  rebel  leaders— Parson 
Brovvnlow — Sufferings  of  the  Unionists — General  ZoUicoffer — Andrew  Johnson — 
Horace  Maynard — Bridge-burning. 

Capture  of  Fort  Henry,  Tenn 281 

Gen.  Grant'.s  army— Gen.  C.  F.  Smith — Com.  Foote  and  the  naval  flotilla—Sailing 
of  the  expedition — Names  of  the  vessels  and  officers — The  attack  and  surrender 
— The  rebel  camp — Advance  of  the  national  gunboats  up  the  Tennessee  river. 

The  Bumside  Expedition -. 290 

Sailing  of  the  expedition  from  Hampton  Roads— Com.  Golidsborough- The  naval 
forces — Gen.  Bumside  and  the  troops — Severe  storm — The  fleet  at  Uatteras  Inlet. 


13  CONTENTS. 

PAoa 

Capture  of  Roanoke  Island 293 

Evacuation  of  Bowling  Green,  Ky, 296 

Capture  of  Fort  Donelson 298 

Advance  of  the  Federal  land  and  naval  forces  from  Fort  Henry  and  Cairo — Descrip- 
tion of  Fort  Donelson — The  naval  attack — Retreat  of  the  gunboats— The  array — 
The  land  attack — The  severity  of  the  engagement— Suflerinjjs  of  the  Federal  sol- 
diers— Their  courage  and  endurance— Protracted  defence — The  surrender. 

The  Occupation  of  Nashville ,     S17 

Fort  Clinch  and  Fernandina,  Fla 321 

The  Merrimac  and  the  Monitor 323 

Capture  of  Jacksonville,  Fla 330 

Occupation  of  Columbus,  Ky 332 

Battle  of  Pea  Ridge,  Ark 834 

Battle  of  Newbem,  N.  C 842 

Capture  of  New  Madrid,  Mo 851 

Island  No.  10 356 

Capture  of  Island  No.  10  and  the  Rebel  army 358 

Battle  of  Winchester,  Va '. 363 

Position  of  Gen.  Shield's  command — The  rebel  force  under  Gen,  Jackson — Plans 
of  the  Confederate  leaders — Strategy  of  Gen.  Shields — Attack  by  Gen.  Jackson — 
The  rebels  reinforced — Bravery  ot  the  Federal  troops — Charge  of  Gen.  Tyler's 
brigade — Defeat  of  the  rebels. 

Battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing 867 

Topography  of  the  country — Corinth — Pittsburg— Savannah — Position  of  the  Fed- 
eral troops — The  rebel  army  and  its  commanders — The  battle  of  Sunday,  March 
8 — Hurlbut's  division — McClernand's  division — Desperate  hand-to-hand  fighting — 
Perilous  position  of  the  national  troops — Wallace's  division. 

Gen.  Sherman''s  Reconnoissance  toward  Corinth 403 

Occupation  of  Huntsville,  Ala 404 

Capture  of  Fort  Pulaski,  Ga 4Q§ 

Battle  of  South  Mills,  N.  C 414 

Capture  of  Fort  Macon 418 

Siege  of  Yorktown,  Va 424 

Retreat  of  the  rebel  army  from  Centreville  and  Manassas,  toward  Richmond— Ad-  . 

vance  of  Gen.  McClellan  s  army- Events  of  March,  1862— The  Federal  army  at 

Old  Point— Advance  toward  Yorktown — The  Investment — Offensive  and  defensive 

operations — Labors  and  sufferings  of  the  Federal  soldiers. 

Battla  of  Lee's  Mills,  Va 427 

Capture  of  New  Orleans * 429 

Bombardment  of  Forts  Jackson  and  St.  Philip — The  Federal  fleet— The  mortar 
boats— Coins.  Farragut,  Porter,  and  Bailey— Stupendous  naval  engagement — The 
surrender  of  the  forts — The  occupation  of  New  Orleans— Capt.  Bailey — Gen.  Loy- 
ell— J.  T.  Monroe — Pierre  Soul6— Gen.  Butler. 

The  Evacuation  of  Yorktown 448 

The  Battle  of  Williamsburg,  Va. 450 

Advance  of  Gen.  Stoneman's  cavalry  from  Yorktown— Gen.  Hooker's  division — 
Gen.  Kearney— Gen.  Sumner— Gens.  Smith  and  Conch— Gen.  Hooker's  attack  and 
protracted  contest  with  superior  numbers — Gen.  Heintzelman — Gen.  Hancock's 
brilliant  charge — Arrival  of  Gen.  McClellan— Retreat  of  the  rebels. 

Battle  of  West  Point,  Va 463 

Chronology 465 


INDEX  TO  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PA6I 

PRKsiDK>"r  LrscoLx  AND  ms  Cabinet * 2 

Illusteated  Title 3 

Initial  Letter,  with  Battie  Illusteations 7 

The  Capitol,  at  Washinqton 17 

Fort  Sumter 21 

BoSIBARDkENT  OF  FORT  SuMTER 29 

Attack  on  the  Massachusetts  Sixth  in  Baltimore 53 

Assassination  of  Col.  Ellsworth 86 

Map  of  Virginia  and  Maryland,  west  of  Washington 96 

"  "  "  EAST  "  97 

Brilliant  Charge  on  a  rebel  Battert  at  Bull  Run 108 

Closing  Engagement  at  Bull  Run « 115 

Battle  of  Rich  Mountain 136 

Map  of  the  Mississippi  Riyer,  Section  5 148 

"      "  "  "  "        6 149 

Death  of  Gen.  Lyon 162 

Map  of  the  Mississippi  River,  Section  2 166 

"      "  "  "  "        8 167 

Map  of  Atlantic  Coast  from  Fortress  Monroe  to  Fort  Macon 178 

.The  Battle  of  Lejhngton,  Mo 191 

The  Death  of  Col.  Baker,  at  Ball's  Bluff 206 

Desperate  Charge  of  Fremont's  Body-Guard,  at  Springfield,  Mo 219 

Map  of  the  Mississippi  River,  Section  1 221 

Battle  of  Mill  Spring 260 

Bombardment  of  Fort  Henry 279 

Map  of  the  Mississippi  River,  Section  4 289 

Attack  on  Fort  Donelson,  bt  the  Gukboats 299 

Surrender  of  Fort  Donelson * 299 

Map  of  the  Cumberland  and  Tennessee  Rivers,  <to 306 

Birds'-eye  View  of  Hampton  Roads,  Va 323 

Cavalry  Charge  at  the  Battle  of  Pea  Ridoe 339 

Battle  of  NewSern,  N.  C 84S 

Map  of  the  Mississippi  River,  Section  7 863 

"  "  ''  «'        8 853 

Bombardment  of  Island  No.  10 369 

•Bayonet  Charge  at  the  Battle  of  "Winchester 366 

Defence  of  a  Federal  Battery  at  Pittsburo  Landing 877 

Battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing 387 


14 


m^USTBATIONS. 


rxaa 
Map  or  Viboinia,  Southirm  Skotion 423 

«'  •«  "  "      423 

Map  of  tub  Mississippi  Rivir,  Skction  21 480 

BOUBABDUEXT  OF  FoRTS  JaCKSON  AND    St.  PhILIP 439 

Map  of  the  Mississippi  River,  Sectio'x  20 446 

BiRDs'-EYE  View  of  the  country  from  Richmond  to  Yorktown,  Va 451 

Battle  of  Wiluamsbcrg,  Va 455 

Rebel  Cavalry  Charge  at  the  Battle  of  Williamsburg,  Va 460 


PORTRAITS. 


PAOX 

Anderson,  Robert,  Brio. -Gen 253 

Banks,  Nathaniel  P.,  Maj.-Gen ,405 

Bates,  Edward,   Attorney-Gev 2 

Blair,  Montgomekt,  Postmaster-Gbn 2 

BuRNSiDE,  AuBROSB  E.,  Maj.-Gen 67 

Butterfield,  Dan.,  Maj.-Gen 15 

BoTLER,  Benj.  F.,  Maj.-Gen 67 

Buell,  Don  Carlos,  Maj.-Gen 215 

Casey,  Silas,  Brio. -Gen 15 

Coccu,  Darids  N.,  Maj.-Gen 15 

Corcoran,  Michael,  Brig.-Gen 253 

Chase,  Salmon  P.,  Sec.  op  Treasury 2 

Clay,  Oassius  M.,  Maj.-Gen 315 

Dix,  John  A.,  Maj.-Gen 405 

DouBLKDAY',  Abner,  Brig<-Gen 253 

Dcryee,Abrah,  Brig.-Gen 253 

Dupont,  S.  F.,  Rear-Admiral ;271 

Ellsworth,  Elmer  E.,  Col 315 

Farragut,  D.  G.,  Rkar-Admibal..' 173 

Foote,  D.  G.,  Rear-Admiral 173 

Fremont,  John  C,  Maj.-Gen 315 

Franklin, .Wm.  B.,  Maj.-Gen 271 

GpLDSBOROUOH,  L.  M.,  Rear-Admiral.  . .  .173 

Grant,  Ulysses  S.,  Maj.-Gen 215 

Hallbck,  Henry  W.,  Maj.-Gen 233 

Hancock,  Winfield  S.,  Brig.-Gen 15 

Hamlin,  Hannibal,  V.  Pres.  or  U.  S.  . . .     2 
Hooker,  Joseph,  Maj.-Gen 253 

HKINtZKLMAN,  SaML.  P.,  MaJ.-GkN 67 

Hunter,  David,  Maj.-Gbk 315 

Kenly,  J.  R.,  Brio.-Gen 315 

Kbl^ey,  Brig.-Gen 15 

Kearney,  Philip^  Maj.-Gen 258 

Lakdbb,  Fred.  W..  Brio.-Gkm 253 


PAOB 

Lyon,  Nathaniel,  Brig.-Gen 315 

Lincoln,  Abraham,  Pbes.  U.  S '.     3 

Mansfield,  J.  K.  F.,  Bbig.-Gen 15 

McCook,  Alex.  McD.,  Brig.-Gen 315 

McClellaw,  Geo.  B.,  Maj.-Gen 197 

McDowell,  Irwin,  Maj.-Gen. 405 

McCall,  Geo.  A.,  Maj.-Gen 67 

McClernand,  John  A.,  Maj.-Gen 271 

Pope,  John,  Maj.-Gen 215 

Porter,  D.  D.,  Rear-Admiral. 178 

Reno,  Jesse  L.,  Maj.-Gen 271 

RosECRANS,  W.  S.,  Brig.-Gen 15 

Richardson,  Israel  B.,  Brig.-Gen 15 

Sickles,  Daniel  E.,  Maj.-Gen 405 

Sedgwick,  Maj.-Gen 315 

Sprague,  Wm.,  Gov.  or  R.  1 253 

Stringham,  S.  II.,  Rear-Admiual 173 

Stevens,  Isaac  I.,  Brio.-Gen 15 

ScHURTz,  Carl,  Brio.-Gen 15 

Shields,  James,  Brig.-Gen 405 

Smith,  Caleb  B.,  Sec.  of  the  Interior.  . .     3 

Seward,  Wm.  H.,  Sec. 'of  State 2 

Stanton,  Edwin  M.,  Sec.  of  War 2 

Sigel,  Franz,  Maj.-Gen 215 

Scott,  Winfield,  Liect.-Gen 127 

ViELE,  E.  L.,  Brio.-Gen 253 

Wallace,  Lewis,  Maj.-Gen 215 

Wool,  John  E.,  Maj.-Gen 67 

Welles,  Gideon,  Sec',  of  Natt 2 

WiNTHROP,  Theodore,  Maj 253 

WiLKfts,  Charles,  Com 271 

Weber,  Max,  Brig.-Gen 813 

Wadsworth,  James  S.,  Brig.-Gkx 815 


WAR  FOR  THE  UNION. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  1801,  Avhen  Abraham  Lincoln  took  the  inau- 
gural oath  in  front  of  the  Xational  Capitol,  his  footprints  upon  the  mar- 
ble marked  the  great  and  terrible  epoch  in  the  history  of  our  govern- 
ment. The  scene  was  imbued  with  a  grandeur  undiscovered  and  with- 
out acknowledgment  from  the  thousands  and  thousands  of  freemen 
who  crowded  and  surged  like  an  ocean  at  his  feet. 

An  old  man,  bowed  both  by  responsibility  and  years,  stood  by  his  side, 
then  and  there  to  render  up  his  august  position  over  a  great  country, 
at  the  very  moment  struggling  with  the  first  throes  of  civil  war.  How 
Aveary  he  had  become,  and  how  gladly  he  laid  Sown  the  burden  of  his 
power,  no  heart  save  his  own  can  tell.  But  the  darkness  and  tlie  thun- 
ders of  coming  strife  followed  alike  James  Buchanan  in  his  retirement 
and  Abraham  Lincoln  into  the  thorny  splendors  of  the  White  House. 
Solemn  and  \evj  sad  were  these  two  men  as  they  stood  for  a  brief  space 
before  the  people.  The  splendor  of  power  brought  no  happiness  either 
in  the  giving  or  receiving.  No  two  men  upon  the  face  of  the  earth 
ever  stood  before  a  people  in  an  attitude  so  imposing,  so  fra  aght  with 
terrible  events.  When  they  shook  hands  peace  veiled  her  face,  and, 
Bhuddering,  shrunk  away  into  the  shadows  which  have  darkened  around 
her  closer  and  thicker,  till  she  is  now  buried  so  deep  beneath  the  gatli- 
ered  death-palls  that  no  one  can  tell  where  she  is  hidden.  For  months 
and  even  years  she  had  been  threatened  by  factions,  disturbed  by  reck- 
less speech  and  still  more  reckless  pens,  but  now,  behind  all  these,  war- 
2  (17) 


|g^      ana  ev€ 
H     less  spe 


18  •rllE    WAU    FOU   THE   UNIOX, 

cries  swelled,  and  bayonets  glistened  in  the  distance,  bloodless  as  yet, 
but  threatening  storms  of  crimson  rain. 

There,  upon  the  verge  of  this  coming  tempest,  the  two  Presidents 
parted,  one  for  the  solitude  of  a  peaceful  home,  the  other  outward 
bound  into  the  wild  turmoil  of  contesting  thoughts  and  heroic  deeds. 
As  I  have  said,  no  one  fully  realized  the  coming  terror,  or  thought  how 
easy  a  thing  it  is  for  a  war  of  passions  to  verge  into  a  war  of  blood. 
Still  the  signs  of  the  last  three  months  had  been  painfully  ominous. 
The  strife  of  opinions  and  clash  of  factions,  which  had  been  waxmg 
deeper  and  stronger  between  the  North  and  the  South,  concentrated 
after  Lincoln's  election,  and  the  heart  of  the  nation  was  almost  rent  in 
twain  before  he  took  the  inaugural  oath.  When  he  stood  up,  the  cen- 
tral figure  of  the  imposing  picture  presented  to  the  nation  on  the  fourth 
of  March,  a  southern  government  had  already  been  organized  at  Mont- 
gomery, and  Jefferson  Davis  had  been  sworn  in  as  its  president,  while 
the  men  who  had  abandoned  their  seats  in  the  United  States  Senate 
now  held  place  in  the  Confederate  Cabinet. 

Between  the  time  of  President  Lincoln's  election  and  his  inaugura- 
tion, five  States  had  followed  the  lead  of  South  Carolina  and  declared 
themselves  out  of  the  Union.  One  by  one  the  representatives  of  these 
States  had  left  Congress,  some  in  sullen  silence,  others  eloquent  with 
passion  and  sophistry. 

The  nation  saw  all  this,  but  would  not  comprehend  the  imminence  of 
its  danger.  At  a  New  England  dinner,  given  in  New  York,  December 
22d,  1 860,  one  of  the  most  astute  statesmen  of  the  coimtry  had  prophe- 
sied, in  words  that  amounted  to  a  promise,  that  sixty  days  would  be 
sufficient  time  in  which  to  tranquilize  all  this  turbulent  discontent,  and 
the  jieople  believed  him ;  but  the  sixty  days  had  long  since  passed, 
and  instead  of  peace  a  Confederate  government  had  planted  itself  on 
the  Alabama  river ;  secession  flags  floated  over  more  than  one  of  our 
forts,  and  another  fort  in  Charleston  harbor  had  only  been  preserved 
by  the  forethought  and  bravery  of  Major  Anderson,  who  was  then  en- 
girdled by  hostile  batteries,  and  half-starving  from  lack  of  supplies.  In 
the  North  also  the  spirit  of  sedition  was  abroad.  Southern  travellers 
still  lingered  in  our  great  cities,  and  conspiracies  grew  up  like  night- 
shade in  the  dark — conspiracies'  that  threatened  not  only  the  govern- 
ment, but  the  very  life  of  its  elected  President. 

Even  on  his  way  to  the  Capitol  Lincoln  had  been  called  from  his  bed 
at  Ilarrisbni-g  and  hurried  forward  to  "Washington  in  the  night,  thus, 
without  a  shadow  of  doubt,  escaping  the  assassination  that  aAvaited  him 
in  Baltimore.  Still  so  blind  were  the  people,  and  so  resolute  to  believe 
that  nothing  serious  eould  result  from  a  rebellion  that  had  been  pre- 
•pded  by  so  much  bravado,  that  even  the  President's  preservation  from 


THE   NATIONAL   FORBEARANCE,  19 

the  death  prepared  for  him  was  taken  up  by  the  press  and  echoed  by 
the  people  as  a  clever  joke,  calculated  to  bring  out  a  Scotch  cap  and 
long  cloak  in  strong  relief,  but  of  doubtful  origin.  Yet  the  absolute 
danger  in  this  case  might  have  been  demonstrated  to  a  certainty  had 
any  one  possessing  authority  cared  to  investigate  the  facts.  But  the 
nation  had  not  yet  recovered  from  the  excitement  of  a  popular  election, 
and  everything  was  submerged  in  the  wild  rush  of  politicians  that  al- 
ways follows  close  on  an  inauguration. 

In  this  whirlpool  of  political  turmoil  rebellion  had  time  to  grow  and 
thrive  in  its  southern  strongholds,  for  its  imminence  could  not  be 
forced  upon  the  cool  consideration  of  a  people  whose  traditions  had  so 
long  been  those  of  prosperous  peace.  The  idea  of  a  civil  war,  in  which 
thousands  on  thousands  of  brave  Americans  would  redden  the  soil  but 
just  denuded  of  its  primeval  timber,  was  an  idea  so  horrible  that  the 
most  iron-hearted  man  failed  to  recognize  it  as  a  possibility.  That  the 
revolt  of  these  Southern  States  would  in  less  than  a  year  fill  the  whole 
length  and  breadth  of  the  land  with  widows  and  orphans — that  Ameri- 
can brothers  could  ever  be  brought  to  stand  face  to  face  in  mortal  strife 
as  they  have  done — that  women,  so  lately  looked  on  with  love  and  rev- 
erence, should  gi-ow  coarse  and  fiendish  from  a  scent  of  kindred  blood, 
mocking  at  the  dead  and  sending  victims  into  a  death-snare  by  their 
smiles,  alas !  alas !  .who  could  have  foreseen  it  ?  The  very  angels  of 
Heaven  must  have  turned  away  from  the  suggestion  in  unbelief. 

Never  on  the  face  of  the  earth  has  a  war  so  terrible  been  waged  on 
so  little  cause.  The  French  Revolution — whose  atrocities  we  have  not 
yet  emulated,  thank  God — was  the  frenzied  outbreak  of  a  nation  trod- 
den under  foot  and  writhing  in  the  grasp  of  tyranny  such  as  no  Ameri- 
can ever  dreamed  of.  If  the  people  became  fiends  in  their  revenge,  it 
was  the  outgrowth  of  fearful  wrongs.  But  where  is  the  man  North  or 
South  in  our  land  who  had  been  subject  to  tyranny  or  aggression  from 
its  go-vernment  when  this  war  commenced  ? 

No  wonder  the  government  looked  upon  the  rebellion  with  forbear- 
ance. No  wonder  it  waited  for  the  sober  second  thought  which  it  was 
hoped  would  bring  its  leaders  back  to  the  old  flag,  under  which  the 
contending  parties  might  reason  together.  But  no,  the  first  step, 
which  ever  counts  most  fatally,  was  taken,  and  every  footprint  that 
followed  it  is  now  red  with  American  blood. 

A  month  passed.  President  Lincoln  was  in  the  White  House,  be- 
sieged by  office-seekers  almost  as  closely  as  Major  Anderson  was  sur- 
rounded in  Fort  Sumter.  Ambassadors,  consuls,  postmasters,  collectors, 
and  all  the  host  of  placemen  that  belong  to  the  machinery  of  a  great 
nation,  made  their  camping  ground  in  Washington,  and  their  point  of  at- 
tack the  White  House.     But  amid  all  this  excitement,  great  national 


20  THE   WAR    FOn    THE    UNION". 

events  would  force  themselves  into  consideration.  News  that  Jefferson 
Davis  was  mustering  troops,  and  that  rebellion  was  making  steady  strides 
in  the  disaffected  States,  broke  through  the  turmoil  of  political  struggles. 

But  the  state  of  the  country  gave  painful  apprehension  to  men  who 
stood  aloof  from  the  struggles  for  place  going  on  at  Washington,  and 
those  who  had  time  for  thought  saw  that  the  rebellion  was  making 
steady  progression.  Tlie  Border  States — Virginia,  Kentucky,  Tennessee 
and  Missouri — with  the  non-slaveholding  States  verging  upon  them,  had 
made  a  desperate  effort  to  unite  on  some  plan  of  pacification,  but  in  vain. 
The  border  slave  States,  being  in  close  neighborhood  with  the  North, 
hesitated  in  joining  the  cotton  States  already  in  revolt.  But  disaffec- 
tion was  strong  even  there,  and  no  great  mind,  either  in  Congress  or 
out  of  it,  had  arisen  strong  enough  to  check  the  spirit  of  revolution. 
Before  Lincoln's  inauguration  Govemor  Letcher  had  declared  that  any 
attempt  of  the  United  States  government  to  march  troops  across  the 
State  of  Virginia,  for  the  purpose  of  enforcing  the  Federal  authority 
anywhere,  would  be  considered  "  an  invasion,  which  must  be  repelled 
by  force."  Never  was  the  government  placed  in  a  more  humiliating  po- 
sition. President  Buchanan  was  surrounded  by  advisers,  many  of  whom 
were  secretly  implicated  in  the  rebellion,  and  felt  himself  powerless  to 
act  in  this  emergency,  while  leading  officers  of  the  Federal  government 
were  daily  making  use  of  their  high  powers  to  consummate  the  designs 
of  the  conspirators. 

Immediately  after  the  act  of  secession  of  South  Carolina,  Governor 
Pickens  had  commenced  the  organization  of  an  army.  Commissioners 
had  appeared  in  Washington  to  demand  the  surrender  of  the  fortifica- 
tions in  Charleston  harbor,  and  the  recognition  of  the  State  as  a  dis- 
tinct nationality.  Castle  Pinckney,  Forts  Moultrie  and  Sumter  were 
the  government  fortifications  in  the  harbor.  Fort  jMoultrie  was  garri- 
soned by  a  small  force,  which  had  been  reduced  far  below  the  ordinary 
peace  complement,  under  the  command  of  Major  Anderson,  a  noble  and 
brave  man.  On  the  night  of  December  26,  in  order  to  place  his  com- 
mand in  a  more  secure  fortification,  Major  Anderson  had  removed  liis 
men  and  material  to  Fort  Sumter,  where,  from  its  isolated  position,  he 
had  nothing  to  fear,  for  a  time  at  least,  from  the  armed  masses  that 
were  gathering  about  him.  This  movement,  peaceable  in  itself,  placed 
his  little  band  in  a  position  where  it  could  inflict  no  injury  on  the  in- 
habitants of  Charleston.  The  city  was  thus  placed  beyond  the  range 
of  his  guns.  But  the  movement  was  received  with  outbursts  of  indig- 
nation from  the  people  of  South  Carolina. 

The  then  Secretary  of  War,  John  B.  Floyd,  of  Virginia,  liad  prom- 
ised the  South  Carolina  seceders  that  everything  in  the  harbor  of 
Charleston  should  be  left  undisturbed.     But  of  this  promise  both  Presi- 


SEIZURE  OF  GOVEKNMENT  FOUTS  AXD  BUII.DIXGS  AT  ClIAnLESTON.      21 

dent  Buchanan  and  Major  Anderson  were  ignorant.  In  makin*r  g 
movement  of  signal  importance,  that  resulted  in  a  terrible  inauguration 
of  war,  the  Major  had  exercised  an  undoubted  right,  conferred  by  his 
position  as  an  independent  commander. 

President  Buchanan,  when  called  upon  to  interfere,  repudiated  the 
pledge  made  by  his  Secretary,  and  peremptorily  refused  to  sanction  it 
in  any  way. 


FORT   8UMTKE. 


This  threw  the  people  of  Charleston  into  a  fever  of  indignation.  The 
Charleston  Courier  denounced  Major  Anderson  in  the  most  cuttin«f 
terms.  "  He  has  achieved,"  said  that  journal,  "  the  unenviable  distinc- 
tion of  opening  civil  war  between  American  citizens,  by  a  gross  breach 
of  faith.  He  has,  under  counsel  of  a  panic,  deserted  his  post  at  Fort 
Moultrie,  and  by  false  pretexts  has  transferred  liis  garrison  and  military 
stores  to  Fort  Sumter."  The  Mercury,  still  more  imperative,  insisted, 
"  that  it  was  due  to  South  Carolina  and  good  faith,  that  Major  Ander- 
son's act  should  be  repudiated  by  his  government,  and  himself  removed 
forthwith  from  Fort  Sumter." 

Meantime  Castle  Pinckney  and  Fort  Moultrie  were  occupied  and  gar- 
risoned by  the  troops  of  South  Carolina.  The  small  guard  left  in 
charge  of  these  posts  by  Major  Anderson  were  disarmed  and  kept  by 
force  from  joining  their  commander. 

That  day  the  Palmetto  flag  was  hoisted  over  the  Custom  House  and 
Post  Office  of  Charleston.  That  day,  also,  Captain  L.  N.  Costa,  com- 
mander of  the  revenue  cUtter  William  Aiken,  betrayed  his  government 


22  THE   WAR   FOB  THE   UNI03T. 

and  delivered  his  vessel  over  to  the  State  authorities,  carrying  with  lim 
a  majority  of  his  men. 

These  proceedings  at  Fort.  Sumter  resulted  in  the  withdrawal  of 
John  B.  Floyd,  of  Virginia,  from  Mr.  Buchanan's  counsellors,  and  ulti- 
mately in  breaking  up  his  cabinet  only  a  few  weeks  before  his  term  of 
office  expired ;  for  there,  as  elsewhere,  arose  a  conflict  of  opinion,  north- 
ern members  taking  one  side  and  Southern  members  another.  Howell 
Cobb,  of  Georgia,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  and  Jacob  Tliompson,  of 
the  Interior,  soon  followed  Floyd,  and  after  them  went  General  Cass, 
of  Michigan.  Their  places  were  supplied  for  the  brief  time  of  Bu- 
chanan's term  by  Holt,  of  Kentucky,  Stanton,  of  Pennsylvania,  Dix,  of 
New  York,  and  Horatio  King,  who  had  been  a  leading  mind  in  the 
Post  Ofiice  Department  for  twenty  years. 

The  military  authorities  of  South  Carolina,  strengthened  by  volun- 
teers and  contributions  from  other  States,  commenced  the  siege  of  Fort 
Sumter  in  earnest.  They  planted  heavy  batteries  on  James  Island, 
Morrfs  Island,  and  Cummiigs  Point.  In  every  spot  where  guns  could 
be  brought  to  bear  on  the  fort,  powerful  earthworks  were  erected,  and 
an  immense  floating  battery  of  unexampled  construction  was  planned. 
This,  anchored'  within  short  range  when  the  day  of  attack  should  arrive, 
was  expected  to  work  terrible  execution. 

Thus  encircled  by  bi'istling  guns  at  every  point,  forbidden  all  inter- 
course beyond  the  walls,  and  denied  the  privilege  of  procuring  fresh 
provisions  almost  entirely.  Major  Andereon  and  his  noble  band  could 
only  wait  for  the  help  which  was  slow  in  coming.    . 

Thus  day  by  day  the  isolated  fort  stood  like  a  solitary  rock,  against 
which  the  angry  surges  of  an  ocean  were  stormfully  mustering.  Girdled 
in  by  an  army  that  grew  stronger  every  moment,  its  noble  commander 
and  his  scarcely  less  heroic  men,  stood  firmly  by  the  flag  that  floated 
above  its  battlements,  the'  only  stars  and  stripes  now  visible  from  hori- 
zon to  horizon. 

The  God  of  heaven,  and  that  small  handful  of  men,  only  know  the 
anxieties  that  beset  them.  With  no  means  of  intelligence,  no  certainty 
of  support,  if  an  emergency  arose  demanding  an  assumption  of  prompt 
responsibility,  with  nothing  but  gloom  landward  or  seaward,  Anderson 
and  his  little  forces  stood  at  bay.  Every  hour,  every  moment,  restricted 
their  privileges  and  consumed  their  stores ;  they  began  to  look  forward 
to  a  lack  of  food,  and  many  an  anxious  eye  was  turned  toward  the 
ocean,  in  a  wistful  search  after  the'  succor  that  did  not  come. 

The  government  in  Washington  was  painfully  aware  of  the  peril 
which  hung  over  these  brave  men.  Still,  some  hope  of  an  amicable 
adjustment  lingered,  and  President  Buchanan  hesitated  in  taking  mea- 
Bui'es  that  might  inaugurate  a  civil  war.    But  bis  obligations  to  these 


RELIEF   FOR   SUMTER.  23 

suffering  men  wei'e  imperative.  The  heroic  band,  so  faithfui  to  their 
trnst,  so  true  to  their  national  honor,  must  Bot  be  left  to  starve  or  fall 
for  lack  of  food  and  re-enforcements. 

On  the  5th  of  January  the  Star  of  the  West  set  sail  frojn  New  York, 
laden  with  stores,  ammunition,  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  men.  Fort 
Sumter  was  at  length  to  be  relieved.  But  the  North  abounded  with 
secession  sympathizers,  and  in  a  few  hours  after  the  steamer  sailed,  the 
people  of  Charleston  were  informed  of  her  destination  by  telegraph. 
Preparations  were  promptly  made  for  her  reception.  Captain  Mc- 
Gowan  had  intended  to  enter  Charleston  harbor  at  night,  hoping  to 
veil  himself  in  darkness,  and  reach  Fort  Sumter  undiscovered.  But 
the  buoys,  sights  and  ranges  had  been  removed,  and,  thus  baffled,  he 
was  compelled  to  lie  outside  the  harbor  till  day-light. 

At  half-past  V,  a.m.,  January  9th,  the  Star  of  the  West  started  for  the 
fort.  A  shot  from  Morris  Island  cut  sharply  across  her  bows.  She 
run  up  the  stars  and  stripes,  sending  that  first  aggressive  shot  a 
noble  answer,  in  red,  white  and  blue,  but  keeping  steadily  on  her 
course. 

Again  and  again  the  audacious  guns  on  Morris  Island  ploughed  up 
the  Avaters  in  her  path,  and,  thus  assailed,  she  slowly  changed  her 
course,  and  left  the  besieged  fort  without  succor. 

The  little  garrison  in  Fort  Sumter  watched  these  proceedings  with 
keen  anxiety ;  though  ignorant  of  the  nature  and  errand  of  the  steamer, 
this  attack  aroused  the  patriotism  in  every  heart.  They  saw  the  stars 
and  stripes  deliberately  fired  upon.  Seventeen  guns  sent,  their  iron 
messages  from  Morris  Island,  and  then,  ignorant  of  the  cause,  ignorant 
of  everything,  save  that  the  old  flag  had  been  assaulted,  the  garrison 
fell  to  work.  The  guns  of  Fort  Sumter  were  run  out  ready  for  action, 
but  just  then  the  steamer  veered  on  her  course  and  moved  seaward. 

Had  Major  Anderson  known  that  the  Star  of  the  West  was  struggling 
to  give  him  succor,  those  seventeen  shots  would  never  have  been  fired 
with  impunity. 

While  the  steamer  was  yet  hovering  on  the  horizon,  Anderson  sent  a 
flag  to  Governor  Pickens,  inquiring  if  a  United  States  steamer  had 
been  fired  upon  by  his  authority.  Governor  Pickens  replied  that  it 
was  by  his  authority.  Immediately  on  the  receipt  of  this  answer.  Lieu- 
tenant Talbot  left  Fort  Sumter  with  despatches  for  Washington,  ask- 
ing for  instructions. 

From  that  time  the  garrison  remained  in  a  state  of  siege,  imtil  the 
5th  of  April,  one  month  after  the  inauguration  of  Abraham  Lincoln  as 
President  of  the  United  States. 

At  this  time  the  fort  had  become  more  closely  besieged.  The  little 
garrison  was  refused  fresh  provisions  from  the  city,  and  its  supplies  by 


24  THE   WAR   FOK   TllE   UNIOK. 

the  Government  were  almost  consumed.  Starvation  or  surrender  lay 
before  Major  Anderson  and  his  handful  of  men. 

Though  cut  off  from  communication  with  the  fort,  the  Government 
was  not  unmindful  of  its  needs.  From  the  5th  to  the  11th  of  April 
three  vessels  of  war,  three  transports,  and  three  steamers  sailed  from 
New  York  and  Norfolk,  with  men,  horses,  and  munitions  of  war.  The 
destination  of  these  vessels  was  kept  secret,  and  public  curiosity  became 
intensely  excited.  The  Confederate  Government,  now  assembled  at 
Montgomery,  Alabama,  Avas  promptly  notified,  by  its  secret  emissaries, 
of  these"  movements.  Indeed,  it  is  doubtful  if  Jefferson  Davis  was  not 
better  informed,  regarding  the  destination  of  this  expedition,  than  the 
people  of  the  North.  The  result  was,  a  formal  demand  on  Major  An- 
derson for  the  surrender  of  Fort  Sumter  by  General  Beauregard,  com- 
mander of  the  Confederate  forces  investing  the  fort,  which  now  num- 
bered 7.000  men,  protected  by  batteries  mounting  140  siege  guns. 

President  Lincoln '  had  notified  Governor  Pickens  that  provisions 
would  be  sent  to  the  garrison  of  Fort  Sumpter,  peaceably,  if  possible, 
if  necessary,  by  force. 

General  Beauregard,  commander  of  the  Confederate  forces,  knew  of 
the  succor  at  hand,  but  deeming  Anderson  ignorant  of  its  coming, 
hoped  that  the  state  of  semi-starvation  to  which  the  garrison  was  re- 
duced, might  enforce  the  surrender  before  help  arrived.  But  the  astute 
rebel  found  himself  matched  by  a  soldier,  cautious  iijt  negotiation  as  he 
afterwards  proved  himself  heroic  in  battle. 

On  Thursday,  the  11th  of  April,  a  boat  was  seen  approaching  the 
work,  with  Colonel  Chesnut,  Colonel  Chisholm  and  Captain  Lee,  aids 
to  General  Beauregard.  They  handed  Major  Anderson  a  conmiunioa- 
tion  from  General  Beauregard,  which  was  a  summons  to  evacuate  the 
fort.  It-  was  to  this  effect :  that  the  Confederate  authorities  had  re- 
frained from  any  hostile  act  against  Fort  Sumter  in  anticipation  that 
the  government  of  the  United  States  would  withdraw  its  troops  from 
that  fort ;  that  it  appeared  probable  at  one  time  that  this  would  have 
been  done,  but  that  the  authorities  of  the  Confederate  States  coiild 
no  longer  refrain  from  taking  possession  of  a  fort  that  commanded 
the  entrance  to  one  of  their  principal  harbors,  and  that  the  order  to 
evacuate  the  fort  was  now  made  upon  the  following  terms :  The  troops 
to  be  allowed  to  carry  with  them  their  arms,  all  personal  baggage  and 
company  property  of  every  description,  and  the  flag  which  had  been 
maintained  with  so  inuch  fortitude,  might  be  saluted  when  hauled 
down. 

Major  Anderson  replied,  th.at  his  word  of  honor,  and  the  duty  he 
owed  to  his  government,  forbade  his  compliance  with  the  demand 

These  gentlemen  then  left  the  fort,  displaying  a  red  flag. 


FORTiriCATIOXS    IX   CnAKLESTOK  HAKBOB. 


25 


At  half-past  1  A.  M.,  on  Friday,  a  boat  containing  Color,  el  Chesnut, 
Captain  Lee  and  Colonel  Roger  A.  Pryor,  approached  the  work  with  a 
communication  from  General  Beauregard,  making  inquiry  as  to  what 
day  Major  Anderson  would  evacuate  the  work,  and  asking  if  he  would 
agree  not  to  open  his  batteries  unless  Fort  Sumter  was  fired  upon. 
Suspecting  from  the  urgency  of  this  midnight  negotiation,  some  strong 
necessity  on  the  part  of  his  opponent,  but  convinced  that  an  evacuation 
would  be  inevitable,  Major  Anderson  made  a  written  reply,  stating  that 
he  would  evacuate  the  fort  at  noon,  on  the  15th,  provided  he  did  not 
receive  supplies  or  controlling  instructions  from  his  government  to  the 
contrary.  That  he  would  not  open  his  batteries  unless  the  flag  of  his 
country  was  fired  upon,  or  unless  some  hostile  intention  on  the  part  of 
the.  Confederate  forces  should  be  manifested. 

Being  in  hourly  expectation  of  the  arrival  of  a  United  States  fleet 
with  reinforcements  off  the  harbor,  and  urged  to  instant  action  by 
dispatches  from  Montgomery,  General  Beauregard  had  prepared  his 
messengers  for  this  answer.  Anderson's  communication  was  handed 
to  Colonel  Chesnut  shortly  after  3  o'clock,  who,  after  a  short  con 
sultation  with  the  officers  who  had  accompanied  him,  handed  a  com- 
munication to  Major  Anderson,  and  said, 

"  General  Beauregard  Avill  open  his  batteries  in  one  hour  from  this 
time,  sir." 

Major  Anderson  looked  at  his  watch,  and  said, 

"  It  is  half-past  three.  I  imderstand  you,  sir,  then,  that  your  batteries 
will  open  in  an  hour  from  this  time  ?  " 

Colonel  Chestnut  replied,  "  Yes,  sir,  in  one  hour." 

They  then  retired. 


FOETmOATIONS  IN  OHAELESTON  HAEOE. 


lort  Sumter  is  a  pentagonal  structure,  built  upon  an  artificial  island 
at  the  mouth  of  Charleston  harbor,  three  and  three-eighths  miles  from 
the  city  of  Charleston.  The  island  has  for  its  base  a  sand  and  mud 
bank,  with  a  suj)erstructure  of  the  refuse  chips  from  several  northern 
granite  quarries.  These  rocks  are  firmly  embedded  in  the  sand,  and 
upon  them  the  present  fortification  is  reared.  The  island  itself  cost  half 
a  million  dollars,  and  was  ten  years  in  construction.  The  fortification 
cost  another  half  million  dollars,  and  at  the  time  of  its  occupancy  by 
Major  Anderson,  was  so  nearly  completed  as  to  admit  the  introduction 
of  its  armament.  The  walls  are  of  solid  brick  and  concrete  masonry, 
built  close  to  the  edge  of  the  Avater,  and  without  a  berme.     They  are 


26  THE   WAB   FOR   THE    UNION. 

sixty  feet  high,  and  from  eight  to  twelve  feet  in  thickness,  and  are 
pierced  for  three  tiers  of  guns  on  the  north,  east  and  Avest  exterior  sides. 
Its  weakest  point  is  on  the  south  side,  of  which  the  masonry  is  not  only 
weaker  than  that  of  the  other  sides,  but  it  is  unprotected  from  a  flank 
fire.    The  wharf  and  entrance  to  the  fort  are  on  this  side. 

Tiie  work  is  designed  for  an  armament  of  "one  hundred  and  forty 
pieces  of  ordnance  of  all  calibres.  Two  tiers  of  the  guns  are  under 
bomb-proof  casements,  and  the  third  or  upper  tier  is  open,  or,  in  mili- 
tary parlance,  en  barbette  ;  the  lower  tier  for  forty-two  pounder  paixhan 
guns ;  the  second  tier  for  eight  and  ten-inch  columbiads,  for  throwing 
solid  or  hollow  shot ;  and  the  upper  tier  for  mortars  and  twenty -four 
pound  guns.  The  full  armament  of  the  fort,  however,  had  not  arrived 
when  Major  Anderson  took  possession ;  but  after  its  occupancy  by  him, 
no  efforts  had  been  spared  to  place  the  work  in  an  efficient  state  of  de- 
fence, by  mounting  all  the  available  guns  and  placing  them  at  salient 
points.  Only  seventy-five  of  the  guns  were  in  position  at  the  time  of 
the  attack.  Eleven  paixhan  guns  were  among  that  number,  nine  of 
them  commanding  Fort  Moultrie,  which  is  within  easy  range,  and  the 
other  two  pointing  towards  Castle  Pinckney,  which  is  well  out  of  range. 
Some  of  the  columbiads,  the  most  effective  weapon  for  siege  or  defen- 
sive operations,  were  not  mounted.  Four  of  the  thirty-two  pounder 
barbette  guns  were  on  pivot  carriages,  Avhich  gave  them  the  entire 
range  of  the  horizon,  and  others  have  a  horizontal  sweep  of  fire  of  one 
hundred  and  eighty  degrees.  The  magazine  contained  seven  hundred 
barrels  of  gunpowder,  and  an  ample  supply  of  shot,  powder  and  shells 
for  one  year's  siege,  and  a  large  amount  of  miscellaneous  artillery 
stores.  The  work  was  amply  supplied  with  water  from  artificial  wells. 
In  a  defensive  or  strategical  point  of  view.  Fort  Sumter  radiates  its  fire 
throiigh  all  the  channels  from  the  sea  approach  to  Charleston,  and  has 
a  full  sweep  of  range  in  its  rear  or  city  side.  The  maximum  range  of 
the  guns  from  Sumter  is  three  miles  ;  but  for.  accurate  iiring,  sufficient 
to  hull  a  vessel,  the  distance  would  require  to  be  reduced  one-half  of 
that  figure.  The  war  garrison  of  the  fort  is  six  hundred  men,  but  only 
seventy-nine  were  within  its  walls  at  the  time  of  the  attack,  exclusive 
of  laborers. 

Fort  Sumter  is  three  and  three-eighths  miles  from  Charleston,  one  and 
one-fourth  mile  from  Fort  Moultrie,  three-fourths  of  a  mile  from  Cum- 
mings  Point,  one  and  three-eighths  mile  from  Fort  Johnson,  and  two 
and  five-eighths  miles  from  Castle  Pinckney.  The  city  of  Charleston  is 
entirely  out  of  range  of  the  guns  of  Fort  Sumter, 


IRON  BATTEEIES-^CASTLE   PnfCKITET.  27 

The  forts  aiid  batteries  in  the  possession  of  the  Confederate  forces  at 
this  time  may  be  briefly  described  as  follows : 

rOET  MOULTKIE. 

Fort  Moultrie,  which  first  opened  its  batteries  upon  Major  Anderson 
and  his  command,  is  one  of  the  sentinels  that  guard  the  principal  en- 
trance of  Charleston  harbor.  It  is  opposite  to  and  distant  from  Fort 
Sumter  about  one  and  a  half  miles.  Its  armament  consists  of  eleven 
guns  of  heavy  calibre  and  several  mortars.  The  outer  and  inner  walls 
are  of  brick,  capped  with  stone  and  filled  with  earth,  making  a  solid 
wall  fifteen  or  sixteen  feet  in  thickness. 

THE   IRON    FLOATING   BAITEET. 

This  novel  war  machine,  designed  for  harbor  operations,  was  an- 
chored near  Sullivan's  Island,  commanding  the  barbette  guns  of  Fort 
Sumter.  It  was  constructed  of  Palmetto  logs,  sheathed  with  plate  iron, 
and  supposed  to  be  impregnable  against  shot.  It  was  embrasured  for 
and  mounted  four  guns  of  heavy  calibre,  requiring  sixty  men  to  operate 
it.  The  outer  or  gun  side  was  covered  with  six  plates  of  iron — two  of 
them  of  the  T  railroad  pattern,  placed  horizontally,  and  the  other  four 
bolted  one  over  the  other,  in  the  strongest  manner,  and  running  ver- 
tically. The  wall  of  the  gun  side  was  full  four  feet  thick,  constructed 
of  that  peculiar  palmetto  wood  so  full  of  fibrous  material  that  sixty-four 
pounders  cannot  pierce  it.  The  main  deck  was  wide  and  roomy,  and  kept 
in  place  by  four  heavy  wedges,  driven  down  by  a  species  of  ram,  which 
held  it  fast,  preventing  any  swaying  around  by  the  tide. 

CTJilillNGS   POINT   IRON  BATTEET. 

The  nearest  point  of  land  to  Fort  Sumter  is  Cimimings  Point,  dis- 
tant 1,150  yards.  On  this  point  was  the  celebrated  railroad  iron 
battery,  having  a  hea\'y  framework  of  yellow  pine  logs.  The  roof 
was  of  the  same  material,  over  which  dovetailed  bars  of  railroad 
iron  of  the  T  pattern  were  laid  from  top  to  bottom — all  of  which  was 
riv  •^ted  down  in  the  most  secure  manner.  On  the  ftxtnt  it  presented  an 
angle  of  about  thirty  degrees.  There  were  three  portholes,  which  opened 
and  closed  with  iron  shutters  of  the  heaviest  description.  When  open, 
the  muzzles  of  the  columbiads  filled  up  the  space  completely.  The  recoil 
of  the  gun  enabled  the  shutters  to  be  closed  instantly.  The  columbiad 
guns,  with  which  this  novel  battery  was  equipped  bore  on  the  south  wall 
of  Sumter,  the  line  of  fire  being  at  an  angle  of  about  thirty  five  degrees. 

The  Fort  Johnson  batteries  consist  of  two  large  sand  works,  contain- 
ing mortar  and  siege-gun  batteries. 


28  THE  WAR  FOR  THB  UNION. 

CASTLE   PINCKXEY. 

Castle  Pinckney  is  a  small  work,  situated  on  the  southern  extremity  of 
"  Shute's  P'olly  Island,"  between  the  Ilog  and  Folly  channels.  Though 
in  itself  not  a  very  considerable  military  work,  yet,  from  its  position, 
commanding  as  it  does  the  whole  line  of  the  eastern  wharves,  it  becomes 
of  the  utmost  importance.  The  height  of  the  rampart  is  twenty,  and 
the  width  thirty-two  feet.  The  width  of  the  outer  wall  and  of  the  para, 
pet  is  six  feet ;  the  depth  of  the  casemates  is  twenty  feet,  height  ten  ; 
the  diameter  (east  and  west)  of  the  castle  is  one  hundred  and  seventy 
feet.  The  entrance  is  on  the  northern  side,  on  either  side  of  which  are 
the  officers  and  privates'  quarters,  mess-room,  <fcc.  The  armament  of 
this  castle  consists  of  about  twenty-five  pieces,  24  and  32-pounders,  a 
few  sea-coast  mortars  and  six  columbiads. 


BOMBAEDMEUT  OF  FOET  SUMTEE. 

Major  Anderson  made  good  use  of  the  hour  awarded  to  him,  that 
one  solemn  hour  which  stood  between  a  peaceful,  happy  country^  so 
blessed  that  it  had  forgotten  to  be  grateful,  and  the  most  terrible  war 
that  ever,  Avithout  cause,  deluged  a  free  soil  with  the  blood  of  its  own 
sons.  Were  ever  sixty  minutes,  since  the  creation  of  time,  so  porten- 
tous with  fate  ? 

But  that  little  band  of  men  had  no  time  for  such  thoughts.  No 
sooner  had  the  deputation  withdrawn  than  each  officer  and  soldier  was 
at  his  post.  They  had  two  flags  at  the  fort,  a  large  garrison  flag,  which 
Major  Anderson  raised  when  he  took  up  his  quarters  at  Sumter,  and  a 
smaller  one,  called  the  storm-flag ;  the  former  had  a  slight  rip  in  it,  and 
he  ordered  the  storm-flag  to  be  raised  in  its  stead. 

Sentinels  were  immediately  removed  from  the  parapets  of  Fort  Sum- 
ter, the  posterns  closed,  the  flag  drawn  up,  and  an  order  sent  to  the 
troops  not  to  leave  the  bomb-proofs,  on  any  account,  until  summoned 
by  the  drum.  At  4,30  a.  m.  one  bombshell  was  thrown  at  Sumter, 
bursting  immediately  over  the  fort. 

This  was  the  first  gun  of  the  rebellion.  How  awfully  its  reverbera- 
tions have  thundered  through  the  land !  IIow  little  did  the  prompters  of 
that  attack  upon  the  old  flag  dream  of  the  horrors  that  were  to  follow ! 

After  the  pause  of  a  few  moments  the  firing  became  general  on  the 
part  of  the  batteries  of  the  secessionists,  doing  the  greatest  credit  to 
the  artillerists.  Battery  after  battery  joined  in  the  murderous  attack. 
The  Major  took  it  very  calmly — divided  his  men  into  companies  to 
relieve  each  other — had  their  scanty  breakfast  prepared,  which  they 
partook  of  in  silence,  while  the  iron  hail  was  crashing  against  their 
walls — prepared  additional  cartridges  by  tearing  up  the  flannel  shirts  of 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  FORT  SUMTER.  31 

the  men,  their  bed-clothes,  etc., — got  out  a  supply  of  powder  from  the 
magazine — and  after  nearly  four  hours'  silence,  the  fort  at  last  opened 
most  vigorously  on  their  assailants.  Hot  coffee  was  kept  in  the  boiler 
in  the  cook  room  for  the  men  to  partake  of  whenever  they  pleased,  and 
they  worked  the  guns  with  a  will.  They  fired  but  few  shells,  for  the 
only  guns  for  that  kind  of  ammunition  were  the  barbette  guns  on  the 
open  rampart,  many  of  which  were  dismounted  by  the  continuous  fire 
of  the  enemy,  and  the  serving  of  which,  from  the  lack  of  casemate  pro- 
tection, would  have  rapidly  thinned  out  the  Major's  little  band. 

As  the  number  of  men  was  so  small,  and  the  garrison  so  nearly  ex- 
hausted by  the  several  months  of  siege  which  they  had  gone  through, 
it  was  necessary  to  husband  their  strength.  The  command  was  there- 
fore divided  into  three  reliefs,  or  equal  parties,  who  were  to  work  the 
different  batteries  by  turns,  each  four  hours. 

The  first  relief  opened  upon  the  iron  batteries  at  Cummings  Point, 
at  a  distance  of  1,600  yards,  the  iron  floating  battery,  distant  1,800  or 
2,000  yards  at  the  end  of  Sullivan's  Island,  the  enfilading  battery  on 
Sullivan's  Island,  and  Fort  Moultrie.  This  was  at  1  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  Captain  Doubleday  firing  the  first  gun,  and  all  the  points 
named  above  being  opened  upon  simultaneously.'  For  the  first  four 
hours  the  firing  was  kept  up  Avith  great  rapidity ;  the  enthusiasm  of  the 
men,  indeed,  was  so  spirited  that  the  second  and  third  reliefs  could  not  be 
kept  from  the  guns.  This  accounts  for  the  fact  that  double  the  number 
of  guns  were  at  work  during  the  first  four  hours  than  at  any  other  time. 

Shells  burst  with  the  greatest  rapidity  in  every  portion  of  the  work, 
hurling  the  loose  brick  and  stone  in  all  directions,  breaking  the  windows, 
and  setting  fire  to  whatever  woodwork  they  burst  against.  The  solid 
shot  firing  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  particularly  of  Fort  Moultrie, 
were  directed  at  the  barbette  guns  of  Fort  Sumter,  disabling  one  ten- 
inch  columbiad,  (they  had  but  two,)  one  eight-inch  columbiad,  ono 
forty-two  pounder,  and  two  eight-inch  sea-coast  howitzers,  and  also 
tearing  a  large  portion  of  the  parapet  away.  The  firing  from  the  bat- 
teries on  Cummings  Point  was  scattered  over  the  whole  of  the  gorge, 
or  rear,  of  the  fort,  riddling  it  like  a  sieve.  The  explosion  of  shells, 
and  the  quantity  of  deadly  missiles  that  were  hurled  in  eveiy  direction 
and  at  every  instant  of  time,  made  it  almost  certain  death  to  go  out  of 
the  lower  tier  of  casemates,  and  also  made  the  working  of  the  barbette, 
or  upper  uncovered  guns,  which  contained  all  of  our  heaviest  metals, 
and  by  which  alone  we  could  throw  shells,  quite  impossible.  During 
the  first  day  there  was  hardly  an  instant  of  time  that  there  was  a  cessa- 
tion of  the  whizzing  of  balls,  which  were  sometimes  coming  half  a 
dozen  at  once.  There  was  not  a  portion  of  the  work  which  was  not 
seen  in  reverse  (that  is,  exposed  by  the  rear)  from  mortars. 


82  THE   WAE   TOR  TUK    UNION. 

On  Friday,  before  dinner,  several  of  the  vessels  of  the  fleet  beyond 
the  bar  were  seen  through  the  port-holes.  They  dipped  their  flags.  The 
commander  ordered  Sumter's  flag  to  be  dipped  in  return,  which  was  done, 
while  the  shells  .were  bursting  in  every  direction.  [The  flagstaflf  was 
located  in  the  parade,  which  is  about  the  centre  of  the  open  space 
within  the  fort.]  Sergeant  JIart  saw  the  flag  of  Fort  Sumter  half-way 
down,  and,  supposing  that  it  had  been  cut  by  the  enemy's  shot,  rushed 
out  through  the  fire  to  assist  in  getting  it  up.  Shortly  after  it  had  been 
re-raised,  a  shell  burst  and  cut  the  halyards,  but  the  rope  was  so  inter 
twined  around  the  halyards,  that  the  flag  would  not  fall. 

The  cartridges  were  exhausted  about  noon,  and  a  party  was  sent  to  the 
magazines  to  make  cartridges  of  the  remaining  blankets  and  shirts,  the 
sleeves  of  the  latter  being  readily  converted  into  the  purpose  desired. 
Another  great  misfortune  was,  that  there  was  not  an  instrument  in  the 
fort  by  which  they  could  weigh  powder,  which  of  course  destroyed  all 
attempt  at  accuracy  of  firing.  Nor  had  they  tangent  scales,  breech 
sides,  or  other  instruments  with  which  to  point  a  gun. 

When  it  became  so  dark  as  to  render  it  impossible  to  see  the  effect 
of  their  shot,  the  port-holes  were  closed  for  the  night,  while  the  batte- 
ries of  the  secessionists  continued  their  fire  the  whole  night. 

During  Friday,  the  oflicers'  barracks  Avere  three  times  set  on  fire  by 
the  shells,  and  three  times  put  out  under  the  most  galling  and  destruc- 
tive firing.  This  was  the  only  occasion  on  which  Major  Anderson 
allowed  the  men  to  expose  themselves  without  an  absolute  necessity. 
The  guns  on  the  parapet,  which  had  ,been  pointed  the  day  before,  were 
fired  clandestinely  by  some  of  the  men. 

The  firing  of  the  rifled  guns  from  the  iron  battery  on  Curamings 
Point  became  extremely  accurate  in  the  afternoon  of  Fi-iday,  cutting 
out  large  quantities  of  the  masonry  about  the  embrasures  at  every  shot, 
throwing  concrete  among  the  cannoneers,  slightly  wounding  one  man, 
and  stunning  others.  One  piece  struck  Sergeant  Keaman,  an  old  Mexican 
war  veteran,  on  the  head  and  knocked  him  down.  Upon  being  revived, 
he  was  asked  if  he  was  hurt  badly.  He  replied:  "No;  I  was  only 
knocked  down  temporarily,"  and  he  went  to  work  again. 

Meals  were  served  at  the  guns  of  the  cannoneers,  while  the  guns  were 
being  fired  and  pointed.  The  fire  commenced  in  the  morning  as  soon 
as  possible. 

■  During  Friday  night  the  men  endeavored  to  climb  the  flag-staff,  for 
the  purpose  of  fastening  new  halyards,  the  old  ones  having  been  cut  by 
the  shot,  but  found  it  impossible.    The  flag  remained  fast. 

For  the  fouVth  time  the  barracks  were  set  on  fire  early  on  Saturday 
morning,  and  attempts  were  made  to  put  it  out.  But  it  was  soon  dis- 
covered that  red-hot  shot  were  being  thrown  into  the  fort  with  the 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  FORT  SUMTER.  39 

greatest  rapidity,  and  it  became  evident  that  it  would  be  impossible  to 
put  out  the  conflagration.  The  whole  garrison  was  then  set  at  work, 
or  as  many  as  could  be  spared,  to  remove  the  powder  from  the  maga* 
zines.  It  was  desperate  work,  rolling  barrels  of  powder  through  the 
fire. 

Ninety  odd  barrels  had  been  rolled  out  through  the  flames,  when  the 
heat  became  so  great  as  to  make  it  impossible  to  get  out  any  more. 
The  doors  were  then  closed  and  locked,  and  the  fire  spread  and  became 
general.  The  wind  so  directed  the  smoke  as  to  fill  the  fort  90  full  that 
the  men  could  not  see  each  other,  ahd  with  the  hot,  stifling  air,  it  was 
as  much  as  a  man  could  do  to  breathe.  Soon  they  were  obliged  to 
cover  their  faces  with  wet  cloths  in  order  to  breathe  at  all,  so  dense  was 
the  smoke  and  so  scorching  the  heat. 

But  few  cartridges  were  left,  and  the  guns  were  fired  slowly ;  nor 
could  more  cartridges  be  made,  on  account  of  the  sparks  falling  in  every 
part  of  the  works.  A  gun  was  fired  every  now  and  then  only  to  let  the 
fleet  and  the  people  in  the  town  know  that  the  fort  had  not  been  silenced. 
The  cannoneers  could  not  see  to  aim,  much  less  where  the  shot  fell. 

After  the  barracks  were  well  on  fire,  the  batteries  directfed  upon  Fort 
Sumter  increased  their  cannonading  to  a  rapidity  greater  than  had  been 
attained  before.  About  this  time,  the  shells  and  ammunition  in  the 
upper  service-magazines  exploded,  scattering  the  tower  and  upper  por- 
tions of  the  building  in  every  direction.  The  crash  of  the  beams,  the 
roar  of  the  flames,  the  rapid  explosion  of  the  shells,  and  the  shower  of 
fragments  of  the  fort,  with  the  blackness  of  the  smoke,  made  the  scene 
indescribably  terrific  and  grand.  This  continued  for  several  hours. 
Meanwhile  the  main  gates  were  burned  down,  the  chassis  of  the  bar- 
bette guns  were  burned  away  on  the  gorge,  and  the  upper  portions  of 
the  towers  had  been  demolished  by  shells. 

There  was  not  a  portion  of  the  fort  where  a  breath  of  air  could  be  ob- 
tained for  hours,  except  through  a  wet  cloth.  The  fire  spread  to  the  men's 
quarters,  On  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left,  and  endangered  the  powder 
which  had  been  taken  out  of  the  magazines.  The  men  went  through 
the  fire  and  covered  the  barrels  with  wet  cloths,  but  the  danger  of  the 
fort's  blowing  up  became  so  inmainent,  that  they  were  obliged  to  heave 
the  barrels  out  of  the  embrasures.  While  the  powder  was  being 
thrown  overboard,  all  the  guns  of  Moultrie,  of  the  iron  floating  battery, 
of  the  enfilade  battery,  and  the  Dahlgren  battery,  worked  with  in- 
creased fury. 

All  but  four  barrels  were  thus  disposed  of,  and  those  remaining  were 
wrapped  in  m.any  thicknesses  of  wet  woolen  blankets.  But  three  cart- 
ridges were  left,  and  these  wore  in  the  guns.  About  this  time  the  flag- 
staff of  Fort  Sumter  was  shot  down,  some  fifty  feet  from  the  truck, 


b 


84  THE  WAR  Fon  the  uniox. 

this  being  the  ninth  time  that  it  had  been  struck  by  a  shot.  A  man 
cried  out,  "  The  flag  is  down ;  it  has  been  shot  away ! "  In  an  instant, 
Lieutenant  Hall  rushed  forward  and  brought  the  flag  away.  lUit  the 
halyards  were  so  inextricably  tangled  that  it  could  not  be  righted ;  it 
was,  therefore,  nailed  to  the  staff",  and  planted  upon  the  ramparts,  while 
batteries  in  every  direction  were  playing  upon  them. 

A  few  moments  after,  and  a  man  was  seen  with  a  white  flag  tied  to 
his  sword,  who  desired  admission.  lie  was  admitted  through  an  em- 
brasure. \n  a  great  flurry,  he  said  he  was  General  Wigfall,  and  that 
he  came  from  General  Beauregard,  and  added  that  he  had  seen  that 
Sumter's  flag  was  down.  Lieutenant  Davis  replied,  "  Oh,  sir !  but  it  is 
up  again."  The  cannonading  meanwhile  continued.  General  Wigfall 
asked  that  some  one  might  hold  his  flag  outside.  Lieutenant  Davis  re- 
plied, "  Nq,  sir !  we  don't  raise  a  white  flag.  If  you  want  your  batte- 
ries to  stop,  you  must  stop  them."  General  "Wigfall  then  held  the  flag 
out  of  an  embrasure.  As  soon  as  he  had  done  this.  Lieutenant  Davis 
directed  a  corporal  to  relieve  him,  as  it  was  General  Wigfall's  flag. 

Several  shots  struck  immediately  around  him  while  he  was  liolding 
it  out,  Avhen  he  started  back,  and  putting  the  flag  in  WigfalFs  face, 

said,  "  D n  it ;  I  won't  hold  that  flag,,  for  they  don't  respect  it. 

They  struck  their  colors,  but  we  never  did."  Wigfall  replied,  "  They 
fired  at  me  three  or  four  times,  and  I  should  think  you  ought  to  stand 
it  once."  Wigfall  then  placed  the  white  flag  on  the  outside  of  the  em- 
brasure, and  presented  himself  to  Major  Anderson,  and  said  that  Gen- 
eral Beauregard  was  desirous  that  blood'  should  not  be  unnecessarily 
shed,  and  also  stated  that  he  came  from  General  Beauregard,  who  de- 
sired to  know  if  Major  Anderson  would  evacuate  the  fort,  and  that  if 
he  would  do  so  he  might  choose  his  own  terms. 

After  a  moment's  hesitation  Major  Anderson  replied  that  he  would 
go  out  on  the  same  terms  that  he  (Major  Anderson)  had  mentioned  on 
the  11th.  General  W^igfall  then  said:  "  Very  av ell;  then  it  is  under- 
stood that  you  will  evacuate.  This  is  all  I  have  to  do.  You  military 
men  will  arrange  everything  else  on  your  own  terms."  He  then  de- 
parted, the  white  flag  still  waving  Avhere  he  had  placed  it,  and  the  stars 
and  stripes  streaming  from  the  flag-staff  which  had  become  the  target 
of  the  rebels. 

Shortly  after  his  departuref  Major  Lee,  the  Hon.  Porcher  Miles,  Sena- 
tor Chesnnt,  and  the  Hon.  Roger  A.  Pryor,  the  staff  of  General  Beau- 
regard, approached  the  fort  with  a  white  flag,  and  said  they  had  come 
from  General  Beauregard,  who  had  observed  that  the  flag  had  been 
down  and  raised  again  a  few  minutes  afterward.  The  General  had  sent 
over,  desiring  to  know  if  he  could  render  any  assistance,  as  he  had'ob- 
served  the  fort  w^s  on  fire.  (This  was  perhaps  a  delicate  mode  of  asking 


I 


BOilBAKDMENT    OP   FORT   SUMTER.  35 

for  a  surrender.)  Major  Anderson,  in  reply,  requested  them  to  thank 
General  Beauregard  for  the  offer,  but  it  was  too  late,  as  he  had  just 
agreed  with  General  Beauregard  for  an  evacuation.  The  three  persons 
comprising  the  deputation,  looked  at  each  other  blankly,  and  asked 
with  whom  ?  Major  Anderson,  observing  that  there  Avas  something 
wrong,  remarked  that  General  Wigfall,  who  had  just  left,  had  represent- 
ed himself  to  be  an  aid  to  General  Beauregard,  and  that  he  had  come 
over  to  make  the  proposition. 

After  some  conversation  among  themselves,  they  said  to  Major  Ander- 
son that  Wigfall  had  not  seen  General  Beauregard  for  two  days.  Major 
Anderson  repHed  that  Wigfall's  offer  and  its  acceptance  had  placed  him 
in  a  peculiar  position.  They  then  requested  him  to  place  in  writing 
what  General  Wigfall  had  said  to  him,  and  they  would  lay  it  before 
General  Beauregard. 

Before  this  reached  General  Beauregard,  he  sent  his  Adjutant-Gen- 
eral and  other  members  of  his  staff,  including  the  Hon.  Roger  A.  Pryor 
and  Governor  Manning,  proposing  the  same  conditions  which  Major 
Anderson  had  offered  to  go  out  upon,  with  the  exception  only  of  not 
saluting  the  flag.  Major  Anderson  said  that  he  had  already  informed 
General  Beauregard  that  he  was  going  out.  They  asked  him  if  he 
would  not  accept  of  the  terms  without  the  salute.  Major  Anderson 
told  then?,  No ;  but  that  it  should  be  an  open  point. 

General  Beauregard  sent  down  to  say  that  the  terms  had  been 
•  accepted,  and  that  he  would  send  the  Isabel  or  any  other  vessel  at  hi« 
command  to  convey  Major  Anderson  and  the  troops  to  any  port  in  the 
United  States  which  he  might  elect. 

No  braver  men  ever  lived  than  the  defenders  of  Fort  Sumter ;  but 
the  ardor  and  endurance  of  musician  Hall  of  Company  E  was  remarked 
by  every  man  in  Sumter,  and  the  company  presented  him  with  a  tes- 
timonial. He  was  at  the  firing  of  the  first  guns,  and  fought  on  all  day, 
and  would  not  accept  either  of  the  three  reliefs.  He  was  up  at  the  first 
shot  the  next  day,  and  worked  without  cessation  till  night.  His  example 
and  words  of  cheer  had  great  effect.  This  is  the  more  worthy  of  remark 
as  he  belonged  to  the  musicians,  and  was  not  obliged  to  enter  into  the 
engagement  at  all.  # 

Mr.  Hart,  a  volunteer  from  New  York,  particularly  distinguished 
himself  in  trying  to  put  out  l^e  flames  in  the  quarters,  with  shells  and 
shot  crashing  around  him.  He  was  ordered  away  by  Major  Anderson, 
but  begged  hard  to  be  permitted  to  remain  and  continue  his  exertions. 
Never  did  famished  men  work  more  bravely  than  those  who  de- 
fended that  fortress,  knowing,  as  they  did,  that  if  successfully  defended 
and  held  by  them,  there  was  not  even  a  biscuit  left  to  divide  among 
them.    They  never  would  have  left  it  while  a  protecting  wall  stood 


36  THB   WAB   FOR  THE   UNION.  • 

around  them,  had  they  been  provided  with  provision  and  ammunition 
Every  man  was  true  and  faithful  to  his  post ;  hunger  and  want  of  ammu- 
nition alone  caused  them  to  leave  Fort  Sumter.  They  were  exposed  to 
a  most  terrible  fire  from  all  quarters,  and  it  was  only  by  exercising  the 
utmost  care  that  the  officers  were  enabled  to  preserve  the  men  from  a 
terrible  slaughter.  Fort  Sumter  in  itself  was  hardly  worth  the  holding  ; 
had  there  been  the  full  fighting  complement  of  men  within  its  walls,  the 
fort  would  not  have  afibrded  suitable  protection  for  one-half  of  tliem. 
The  enemy's  shot  rained  in  upon  and  about  them  like  hail,  and  more 
men  in  Sumter  would  only  have  made  greater  havoc.  As  it  was,  the 
garrison  proved  fortunate  in  having  escaped  without  the  loss  of  one  of 
those  brave  men  who  were  willing  to  die  for  the  flag  which  waved  over 
them. 

The  evacuation  took  place  about  9^  o'clock  on  Sunday  morning,  after 
the  burial  with  military  honors  of  private  Daniel  Hough,  who  had  been 
killed  by  the  biirsting  of  a  gun.  The  men  had  been  all  the  morning 
preparing  cartridges  for  the  purpose  of  firing  a  salute  of  one  hundred 
guns.  This  done,  the  embarkation  took  place,  the  band  meanwhile 
playing  Yankee  Doodle. 

STORMING  or  FORT  SUMTBR,  VIEWED  FROM  THE  LAND. 

A  person  -vv^ho  witnessed  the  bombardment  of  Fort  Sumter  from  the 
harbor,  gives  this  graphic  account : 

The  terrific  firing  reached  an  awful  climax  at  ten  o'clock  at  night. 
The  heavens  were  obscured  by  rain  clouds,  and  it  was  as  dark  as  Ere- 
bus. The  guns  were  heard  distinctly,  the  wind  blowing  in  shore. 
Sometimes  a  shell  would  burst  in  mid-air,  directly  over  Fort  Sumter. 
Nearly  all  night  long  the  streets  were  thronged  with  people,  full  of 
excitement  and  enthusiasm.  The  house-tops,  the  battery,  the  wharves, 
the  shipping, — in  fact  every  available  place  was  taken  possession  of  by 
the  multitude. 

The  discharges  of  cannon  gradually  diminished  as  the  sun  rose.  AH 
the  clouds,  which  rendered  the  night  so  dark  and  dismal,  disappeared  as 
day  began  to  break,  while  the  air  became  most  beautiful,  balmy,  and 
refreshing.  The  streets  were  filled  again  with  persons,  male  and  female, 
old  and  young,  white  and  black ;  some  went  to  the  battery,  some  to  the 
wharves,  and  some  to  the  steeples  of  the  churches. 

A  few  random  shots  were  fired  from  the  Confederate  batteries,  to 
which  Fort  Sumter  only  replied  occasionally.  Soon  it  became  evident 
that  Sumter  was  on  fire,  and  all  eyes  were  rivetted  ujion  it.  The  dense 
smoke  that  issued  from  it  M-as  seen  gradually  to  rise  iVoin  the  ramparts. 
Some  supposed  that  this  was  merely  a  signal  from  Major  Anderson  to 
call  in  the  fleet  to  aid  him. 


J 


BOMBARDMENT   OF   FOET   SUMTER.  37 

At  this  time  the  fleet  was  in  the  offing  quietly  riding  at  anchor, 
and  could  clearly  be  distinguished.  Four  vessels  were  ranged  in  line 
directly  over  the  bar,  apparently  blockading  the  port.  Their  long, 
black  hulls  and  snoke-stacks  proved  them  to  be  Federal  steamers. 
Every  one  anxiously  waited  to  see  what  they  would  do.  The  suspense 
was  very  exciting.     On  all  sides  could  be  heard, 

"  Will  the  vessels  come  in  and  engage  the  batteries  ?  If  they  do  not 
they  are  cowardly  poltroons." 

Every  person  on  the  battery  fully  expected  that  the  engagement 
would  become  general.  By  the  aid  of  glasses,  it  was  believed  that  a 
movement  was  being  made  to  this  end  by  two  of  the  war  ships,  and  it 
was  thought  that  the  sand  would  soon  begin  to  fly  from  the  Morris 
Island  batteries. 

At  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning,  attention  was  again  rivetted  on  Fort 
Sumter,  which  was  now  beyond  a  doubt  on  fire.  The  flames  were  seen 
to  burst  from  the  roofs  of  the  houses  within  its  walls,  and  dense  col- 
umns of  smoke  shot  quickly  upward. 

At  this  time  Major  Anderson  scarcely  fired  a  shot.  The  guns  on 
the  ramparts  of  Fort  Sumter  had  no  utterance  in  them.  Burst  shells 
and  grape  scattered  like  hail  over  the  doomed  fort,  and  drove  the  sol- 
diers under  cover. 

From  the  Iron  Battery  at  Cummings  Point  a  continuous  fire  was 
kept  up.  Its  rifled  cannon  played  sad  havoc  with  that  portion  of  Fort 
Sumter  facing  it.  The  firing  from  the  Floating  Battery  and  from  Fort 
Moultrie  continued  very  regular  and  accurate.  Standing  on  the  Charles- 
ton battery,  and  looking  seaward,  you  have  on  the  right  a  mortar 
battery  and  Fort  Johnson,  distant  from  the  city  two  and  a  half  miles. 
Half  a  mile  from  Fort  Johnson  is  the  Iron  Battery  of  Cummings  Point, 
mounting  three  ten-inch  columbiads,  three  sixty-four-pounders,  three 
mortars,  and  one  rifled  cannon.  Cummings  Point  is  only  fifteen  hun- 
dred yards  from  Fort  Sumter,  and  so  any  one  can  imagine  what  havoc 
the  regular  fire  of  the  Cummings  Point  battery  must  have  created. 

The  men  working  the  guns  made  them  terriby  efiective.  The  sand 
redoubt  was  scarcely  injured  by  the  weak  fire  Major  Anderson  kept  up 
on  the  battery.  It  was  commanded  by  Major  Stevens,  of  the  Citadel 
Cadets.  Under  his  direction  each  shell  that  wSs  fired  found  a  destina- 
tion within  Fort  Sumter,  and  during  the  entire  bombardment  scarcely 
one  missile  of  this  character  missed  its  mark. 

On  the  other  side  of  the  harbor,  directly  opposite  Fort  Sumter,  is 
one  of  the  strongest  sides  of  Fort  Moultrie.  During  the  last  three 
months  it  has  been  strengthened  by  every  appliance  that  military  art 
could  suggest.  Its  marlons,  moats,  glaces,  and  embrasures  are  per- 
fectly protected.    The  weak  walls  of  the  fort  were  made  perfer.tly  se- 


98  THE   WAR   FOB  THE   UNION. 

cure  for  the  gtmners  while  at  work.     From  this  point  throughout  the 
engagement  vast  numbers  of  shot  and  lieavy  balls  were  discharged. 

Behind  this,  and  near  Sullivan's  Island,  the  Floating  Battery  was 
stationed,  with  two  sixty-four  and  two  forty-two  pounders.  Its  sides 
of  iron  and  palmetto  logs  were  impenetrable.  Every  shot  from  it  told 
on  Fort  Sumter,  and  the  men  in  charge  of  it  were  so  secure  in  their  * 
position,  that  some  of  them  indulged  in  soldiers'  pastimes,  while  others 
played  five  cent  ante,  euchre  and  bluff. 

The  Mortar  Battery  at  Mount  Pleasant  was  five  hundred  yards 
from  the  Floating  Battery,  and  was  mounted  with  two  mortars  within 
excellent  range  of  Fort  Sumter.  The  shells  from  this  mortar  were 
thrown  with  great  precision.  You  now  have  all  the  positions  of  the 
works  bearing  directly  on  Fort  Sumter. 

All  through  Friday  morning  the  greatest  activity  at  all  points  was 
displayed.  Three  times  Major  Anderson's  barracks  were  set  on  tire, 
and  twice  he  succeeded  in  putting  out  the  flames,  and  to  do  this  it  was 
necessary  to  employ  all  his  force  in  passing  along  water.  To  get  water 
it  was  necessary  for  some  of  his  men  to  go  outside  the  walls,  and  hand 
the  buckets  in  through  the  port-holes,  during  all  which  time  they  were 
exposed  to  a  most  terrific  fire  from  the  various  batteries. 

This  last  expedient  was  not  resorted  to  until  the  fort  was  on  fire  for 
the  third  time,  and  the  flames  had  increased  to  an  alarming  pitch. 
Meantime,  Major  Anderson's  guns  were  silent.  lie  allowed  his  men  to 
be  exposed  to  the  galling  fire  upon  them  but  for  a  few  moments,  and  then 
ordered  them  in  and  shut  the  batteries  as  the  smoke  was  too  thick  to 
work  them,  ^t  noon  the  flames  burst  from  every  quarter  of  Fort 
Suihter,  and  its  destruction  appeared  inevitable. 

NAVAL   EXPEDmON   FOR  THE   RELIEF   OF   SUMTER. 

The  Government  had  sent  a  well-laden  fleet  to  the  relief  of  Fort 
Sumter,  a  portion  of  which  arrived  in  Charleston  harbor  time  enough 
to  witness  the  bombardment  of  the  fort,  without  the  power  to  help  its 
heroic  garrison. 

This  fleet  left  New  York  and  Washington  from  the  6th  to  the  9th  of 
April.  It  consisted  of  the  sloop-of-war,  Paw^nee,  10  guns,  and  200 
men;  Pocahontas,  5  guns,  110  men;  cutter  Harriet  Lane,  5  guns,  110 
men  ;  accompanied  by  the  transport  Baltic,  and  the  steam-tugs  Y'"ankee 
and  Uncle  Ben,  with  additional  men  arid  stores.  Owing  to  stormy 
weather,  the  vessels  were  unable  to  reach  the  Charleston  coast  at  the 
appointed  time.  The  Pawnee,  Harriet  Lane,  and  the  Baltic  arrived  at 
the  rendezvous  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  April,  but  the  Pocahontas 
did  not  join  them  until  the  next  day.  The  steam-tug  Yankee  lost  her 
unoke-stack  in  the  storm  which  dispersed  the  fleet,  and  did  not  reach 


J 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  FORT  SUMTER.  30 

the  neighborhood  of  Charleston  till  after  the  departure  of  her  consorts, 
and  eventually  returned  to  New  York.  Nothing  was  heard  of  the 
Uncle  Ben  until  the  30th  of  April,  when  intelligence  was  received  that 
she  had  been  captured  by  the  insurgents  off  the  coast  of  North 
Carolina. 

The  oiniers  of  the  expedition  were,  that  unarmed  boats  should  first 
be  sent  to  the  fort  with  stores  only ;  but  if  these  Avere  fired  upon,  every 
effort  was  to  be  made  to  relieve  the  fort  .by  stratagem  or  force.  The 
vessels  of  Avar  and  the  Baltic  proved  of  too  heavy  draft  for  any  hopes 
of  passing  the  bar,  and  the  steam-tugs  which  Avere  to  have  been  sent  in 
with  supplies,  failed  to  make  their  appearance.  The  attack  on  the  fort, 
before  any  measures  of  a  peaceable  character  could  be  adopted  for  its 
relief,  left  no  alternative  but  force,  to  the  commandant  of  the  fleet,  if 
the  object  of  his  expedition  was  to  be  accomplished.  A  consultation  of 
officers  Avas  held  at  four  o'clock  on  the  afternoon  of  the  12th,  and  the 
folio Aving  plan  was  agreed  upon:  the  PaAvnee  and  the  Harriet  Lane 
were  to  remain  at  anchor  during  the  night;  at  daAvn,  on  the  13th,  the 
PaAvnee  Avas  to  hoist  out  her  armed  launches,  and  the  Baltic  Avas  to  put 
her  boats  alongside,  freighted  Avith  the  provisic#s  and  troops  designed 
for  the  fort.  The  war  vessels  were  the'n  to  toAV  the  boats  as  far  as  pos- 
sible on  their  perilous  journey,  Avhen  they  were  to  be  cast  off,  and 
allowed  to  pursue  their  course  toAvard  the  fort,  relying  upon  the  guns 
of  the  men-of-war,  and  what  aid  might  be  extendqd  from  Sumter,  to 
protect  them  from  the  battei'ies  and  flotilla  of  armed  boats,  which  were 
in  reaiiiness  to  dispute  their  advance.  During  the  night  the  Baltic 
went  aground  on  Rattlesnake  Shoals,  and  the  plan  agreed  upon  was, 
from  necessity,  relinquished.  The  conflagration  of  the  barracks  of  the 
fort  having  precipitated  its  evacuation  earlier  than  Avas  anticipated,  " 
the  officers  of  the  fleet  abandoned  other  plans  for  its  relief. 

At  twa  o'clock  on  the  14th  of  April,  Major  Anderson  and  the  gar- 
rison of  Fort  Sumter  Avere  received  on  board  the  Baltic,  and  the  fleet 
shortly  after  sailed  for  NeAV  York.  The  flag  of  the  fort  Avas  borne  at 
the  mast-head  of  the  Baltic  as  she  entered  the  bay  of  NeAV  York,  Avhere 
it  Avas  saluted  by  guns  from  every  fort  in  the  hai'bor,  and  Iiailed  by  the 
shouts  of  more  than  a  hundred  thousand  people,  Avho  lined  the  Avharves 
of  the  city.  It  Avas  also  raised  over  the  equestrian  statue  of  Wash- 
mgton  in  Union  Square,  in  that  city,  when  the  great  Union  meeting 
was  held,  on  the  afternoon  of  Saturday,  April  20. 


40  THE   WAR   FOR  THR   tJinOIf. 


THE  NATION'S   EESPONSE. 


Tie  first  gun  that  boomed  against  Fort  Sumter  struck  the  great 
American  Union  with  a  shock  that  vibrated  from  the  centre  to  its 
outer  verge.  Every  heart,  true  or  false  to  the  great  Union,  leaped  to 
the  sound,  either  in  patriotism  or  treason,  on  that  momentous  day. 

Tlie  North  and  South  recoiled  from  each  other ;  the  one  in  amaze- 
ment at  the  audacity  of  this  first  blow  against  the  Union,  the  other 
rushing  blindly  after  a  few  leaders,  who  had  left  them  little  choice  of 
action,  and  no  power  of  deliberation.  The  first  news  of  the  attack 
took  the  Government  at  Washington  almost  by  surprise.  President 
Lincoln  and  his  Cabinet  had  not  allowed  themselves  to  bplieve  that  a 
civil  war  could  absolutely  break  out  in  the  heart  of  a  country  so  blessed, 
80  wealthy,  and  so  accustomed  to  peace.  True,  political  strife  had 
wagedfearfully  ;  sections  had  clamored  agamst  sections,  factions  North 
had  battled  with  factions  South ;  but  in  a  country  where  free  speech 
and  a  free  press  were  a  crowning  glory,  a  war  of  words  and  ideas  could 
hardly  have  been  expelled  to  culminate  in  one  of  the  most  terrible  civil 
wars  that  will  crimson  the  world's  record. 

The  first  boom  of  the  cannon's  blackened  lips — the  first  shot  hurled 
against  the  stars  and  stripes,  aroused  the  Government  from  its  hopes  of 
security.  Scarcely  had  the  telegraph  wires  ceased  to  tremble  under 
the  startling  news,  before  the  Cabinet  assembled  in  President  Lincoln's 
council  chamber,  and  when  it  broke  up,  a  proclamation,  calling  for 
seventy-live  thousand  troops,  had  been  decided  upon,  and  Congress  was 
to  be  convened  on  the  Fourth  of  July. 

The  startling  news,  this  prompt  action,  and  the  defenceless  state  of 
Washington,  filled  the  country  with  wild  excitement.  It  was  known 
that  the  South  had  been  for  months  drilling  troops  ;  that  large  portions 
of  Virginia  and  Maryland  were  ready  for  revolt,  and  many  believed 
that  bodies  of  men  were  organized  and  prepared  for  an  attack  on 
the  capital.  Had  this  been  true,  had  a  considerable  number  of  men 
marched  upon  Washington  any  time  within  four  days  after  the  news 
from  Fort  Sumter  reached  it,  nothing  could  have  saved  it  from  cap- 
ture, and  probably,  destruction.  With  only  a  handful  of  troops,  and 
exposed  at  every  point,  no  efiectual  resistance  could  have  been  made 
The  news  reached  Washington  on  Sunday ;  the  next  day  such  troops 
as  could  be  mustered,  appeared  on  parade.  Pickets  were  stationed 
outside  the  town ;  horses  were  galloped  furiously  from  point  to  point, 
and  the  first  faint  indication  of  this  most  awful  civil  war  dawned  upon 
a  people  so  used  to  peace,  that  its  import  could  not  be  wholly  realized. 

Smothered  alarm  prevailed  in  the  city ;  a  military  guard  was  placed 


THE  nation's  response.  41 

each  night  in  the  White  House,  and  greatfenxiety  was  felt  for  the  arrival 
of  troops,  which  had  been  hastily  summoned  from  the  North. 

That  week  the  near  friends  of  the  President  were  under  painful 
apprehensions  for  his  safety.  It  was  known  to  a  few  persons  that  the 
very  gang  of  men  who  had  planned  his  death  at  Baltimore,  were  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  capital,  plotting  against  him  there.  It  was  even 
known  that  a  design  existed  by  which  a  sudden  descent  of  swift  riders 
was  to  be  made  on  the  "White  House,  with  the  bold  object  of  killing 
Lincoln  in  his  cabinet,  or  carrying  him  off  by  force  into  Virginia.  The 
night-guard  in  the  Presidential  mansion  was  but  small,  and  by  day  Lin- 
coln had  always  been  imprudently  accessible. 

The  persons  believed  to  be  in  this  plot  were  brave,  reckless  men,  ac' 
customed  to  adventures  of  every  kind,  and  quite  capable  of  carrying 
out  a  programme  of  abduction  or  bloodshed  under  more  difficult  cir- 
cumstances than  surrounded  this  enterprise.  But  men  of  reckless  ac- 
tion are  seldom  prudent  in  speech ;  the  wild  project  was  too  e^fciting 
for  proper  reticence.  By  a  few  incautious  words,  dropped  here  and 
there,  this  treasonable  design  was  fathomed ;  the  friends  of  President 
Lincoln  warned,  and  the  ivhole  thing  quietly  defeated,  for  the  gang 
soon  ascertained  that  their  treason  had  been  discovered,  and,  as  its  suc- 
cess depended  on  a  surprise  of  the  President's  household,  the  project 
was  abandoned. 

Meantime  the  news  of  Fort  Sumter,  and  the  call  for  troops,  had  shot 
its  lightning  along  every  telegraph  in  the  Union ;  the  response  was  an 
instantaneous  uprising  of  the  people,  such  as  no  country  on  earth  ever 
witnessed  before. 

The  great  majesty  of  the  Union  had  been  insulted  and  set  at  de- 
fiance, and  as  one  man,  thousands  upon  thousands  rushed  aroimd  the 
worshipped  banner  of  their  country,  firm  in  their  patriotism,  and  ter- 
rible in  their  determination  that  it  should  never  be  trailed  in  the  dust, 
or  torn  Avith  hostile  shot,  unavenged. 

The  proclamation  of  President  Lincoln  calling  for  volunteers,  was  an- 
swered by  the  voices  of  freemen  from  every  hill-top  and  valley,  and 
almost  fabulous  numbers  stood  ready  and  anxious  to  devote  themselves 
to  the  vindication  of  the  national  honor.  Wild  indeed  was  the  enthu- 
siasm that  ran  from  heart  to  heart,  linking  the  great  west  and  the  east 
together.  But  one  sentiment  found  expression  from  any  lip  among 
the  excited  populace,  and  that  sentiment  was,  the  Union  should  be  sus- 
tained at  all  hazards.  Wealth,  life,  everything  must  be  counted  as  dust 
till  the  Union  had  redeemed  itself.  Who  in  New  York  does  not 
remember  how  the  city  was  ablaze  with  flags  and  tri-colored  bunting 
on  the  memorable  day,  when,  "the  Seventh  regiment,"  responded 
t"  the  call  ?   Never  did  a  finer  or  braver  body  of  young  men  pass  down 


42  THE   WAU   FOB   THE   UNIOX. 

Broadway.  Although  their  frms  were  not  now  corded  or  hands  har- 
dened by  labor,  their  prompt  action  was  a  living  proof  that  gentl* 
breeding  can  be  associated  with  hearts  of  oak,  with  stern  determination, 
coolness  and  discretion.  Leaping  to  their  arms  at  the  first  note  of 
danger,  impatient  of  delay  and  thrilling  with  the  hope  of  weaving  in  their 
peace-won  wreaths  laurels  earned  by  hard  fighting,  this  regiment  march- 
ed from  its  armory,  the  very  first  of  the  Empire  State  to  obey  the  call 
to  arms.  Their  object  was  war.  They  hoped  ardently  that  it  was  no 
light  duty  which  might  fall  upon  them.  They  expected  to  meet  hard 
work  and  hard  fighting  too  before  the  capital  was  reached,  for  danger 
menaced  them  on  all  sides.  Baltimore  had  risen  in  revolt  even  while 
they  were  arming  for  the  march  and  they  fully  dej^ended  on  fighting 
their  way  through  its  turbulent  streets. 

On  the  19th  of  April,  at  the  very  time  revolt  broke  out  in  Baltimore, 
a  very  difierent  scene  was  going  on  in  New  York. 

Amidst  unparalleled  enthusiasm  the  volunteer  soldiers  of  New  Eng- 
land and  New  York  struck  hands  on  their  march  to  the  rescue  of  the 
national  capital.  And  beautiful  the  streets  looked,  with  bannered 
parapets,  peopled  roofs,  windows  thronged  with  sympathetic  beauty,  and 
sidewalks  densely  packed  with  multitudes  of  excited  and  applauding 
citizens. 

But  it  required  only  a  single  glance  at  the  faces  of  this  great  multitude 
to  become  convinced  that  no  mere  gala  or  festive  purpose  h^id  called 
out  this  magnificent  demonstration.  In  every  eye  burned  the  unquench- 
able fire  of  patriotic  ardor,  and  in  every  heart  was  the  aspiration  to  join 
in  defence  of  one  common  country.  Old  men,  who  must  have  seen  the 
earlier  struggles  of  our  history,  came  forth  to  bless  the  young  soldiers 
on  their  march  to  take  share  in  a  grander  and  more  n,oble  struggle  thao 
any  the  American  continent  had  yet  witnessed. 

Mothers,  with  tears  of  joyous  pride  half  blinding  them,  helped  to 
buckle  on  the  accoutrements  of  their  sons,  and  kissed  them  as  they  went 
forth  to  battle.  Sisters  and  sweethearts,  fathers  and  wives,  friends  and 
relatives,  all  were  represented,  and  had  their  individual  characteristics 
in  the  immense  concourse  of  life  which  held  possession  of  Broadway. 

Perhaps  if  there  could  have  risen  from  the  dead  one  of  the  old  Giron- 
dists, after  being  bloodily  put  away  to  repose  during  the  great  French 
Revolution,  and  if  he  had  been  dropped  down  in  New  York, — by 
allowing  a  little  for  advance  in  costumes  and  architecture,  he  might  have 
seen  many  curious  points  of  resemblance  between  the  scenes  and  those 
of  seventy  years  ago  in  Paris.  Then  the  inspiration  of  liberty  ran 
through  the  people,  and  the  most  powerful  aristocracy  of  Europe  was 
destroyed.  The  result  of  the  struggle  which  broke  out  in  New  York, 
and  in  the  streets  of  Baltimore,  in  one  day,  time  has  yet  to  reveal. 


DEPARTURE    OF  NEW   TOEK   REGIMENTS.  43 

The  children  of  Now  York,  the  Seventh  regiment,  the  pets  and  pride 
of  her  society,  were  going  forth  to  their  first  war  duty.  Eight  hundred 
cliosen  young  men,  with  threads  woven  to  hold  them,  wherever  they 
went,  to  the  million  hearts  they  left  behind — moved  down  Broadway 
and  started  for  the  capital. 

Eight  hundred  young  citizens,  each  with  musket  and  knapsack,  borne 
along  calmly  and  impassively  on  a  tide  of  vocal  patriotism,  making  the 
air  resonant  with  shouts  and  warm  with  the  breath  of  prayer. 

With  that  regiment  went  young  Winthrop,  on  that  memorable 
day,  who  afterwards  passed  from  the  literary  fame  he  had  so  richly 
earned,  to  military  glory  at  the  battle  of  Big  Bethel.  There  also  was 
O'Brien,  one  of  the  most  promising  poets  of  the  age,  doomed  like 
"Winthrop  to  reap  bloody  laurels,  and  fill  a  soldier's  grave.  Let  no  one 
say  that  the  Empire  State  was  not  nobly  represented  in  these  young 
soldiers.  Gentlemen  as  thpy  were,  on-e  and  all,  no  man  was  heard  to 
complain  of  hard  work,  soldiers'  fare,  or  no  fare  at  all,  as  sometimes 
happened  to  them.  How  cheerful  they  were  in  the  cedar  groves  for 
two  days  and  nights — hoAV  they  endured  the  hardships  of  a  bivouac  on 
soft  earth— how  they  digged  manfully  in  the  trenches.  With  what  su- 
preme artistic  finish  their  work  was  achieved — how  they  cleared  the 
brushwood  from  the  glacis — how  they  blistered  their  hands  and  then 
hardened  them  with  toil — how  they  chafed  at  being  obliged  to  evade 
Baltimore,  and  how  faithfully  they  guarded  Washington  and  achieved 
the  object  for  which  they  were  sent,  will  be  best  given  in  a  description 
of  the  march  from  Annapolis  of  which  O'Brien  has  left  a  brilliant  record. 

Nor  were  their  services  in  protecting  the  capital  all  that  the  Seventh 
regiment  of  New  York  has  given  to  its  country.  Many  a  regiment 
which  has  since  won  lasting  fame  on  the  battle-field  has  been  ofiicered 
to  some  extent  from  its  ranks. 

Two  days  after  the  departure  of  the  Seventh  regiment,  the  Seventy- 
first,  since  renowned  for  its  bravery  at  Bull  Run,  the  Sixth,  and  Twelfth, 
all  city  regiments  of  New  York,  took  the  same  glorious  track,  and  were 
hailed  with  like  enthusiasm.  In  military  drill  and  social  position,  some 
of  these  regiments  w^ere  not  inferior  to  the  Seventh,  and  their  departure 
was  witnessed  by  a  concourse  of  people  equal  to  that  which  filled  the 
streets  on  the  19th. 

It  was  with  pride  that  a  city  saw  her  first  qtiota  of  soldiers  departing 
en  route  for  Washington,  to  take  the  Empire  share  with  the  troops  of 
other  loyal  states  in  the  contest  now  inaugurated.  The  spectacle,  in- 
stead of  being  a  great  pageant,  had  all  the  grandeur  and  solemnity  of  a 
step  in  one  of  those  crises  of  events  which  involve  individual  and 
national  life — engraving  new  names  and  new  dynasties  upon  the  tablets 
of  history. 


44  THB  WAB  FOB  THE  UNION. 

As  if  to  make  the  departure  of  these  troops  more  memorable,  a  large 
American  flag,  forty  feet  long  by  twenty  wide,  was  flung  out  upon  a 
flagstaff"  from  a  window  in  Trinity  steeple,  at  a  height  of  two  hundred 
and  forty  feet.  The  chimes  meanwhile  played  several  airs  appropriate 
to  the  occasion,  among  which  were  "Yankee  Doodle,"  "The  Red, 
White  and  Blue,"  winding  up  with  "  All's  Well."  A  flag-staff"  with  a 
splendid  flag  attached,  was  also  run  out  of  a  window  over  the  portico 
in  front  of  St,  Paul's  Church.  Thus  under  these  mighty  banners,  furling 
and  unfurling  in  the  wind  and  hedged  in  by  triple  walls  of  human  be- 
ings, amid  the  resonant  chimes  of  Trinity,  the  crash  of  their  ^wn  mag- 
nificent bands  drowning  the  "  God  bless  you  "  of  many  a  gentle  heart, 
the  city  of  New  York  sent  its  first  regiments  to  the  field. 

As  each  regiment  passed  through  New  York  the  concourse  of  people 
to  see  it  off"  increased,  till  every  fresh  march  was  a  triumph  in  advance 
of  the  brave  deeds  the  soldiers  were  expected  to  perform.  In  less  than 
a  week  banners  and  flags  had  become  so  thick  across  Broadway,  that 
they  fairly  canopied  the  departing  troops,  and  shouts  loud  and  deep 
sent  them  on  the  way  with  many  a  blessing  and  hearty  God  speed. 

Nor  was  this  enthusiasm  confined  to  crack  regiments  or  the  aristo- 
cratic soldiery  of  our  cities.  The  working  men  also  came  forth  in  masses, 
claiming  a  share  in  the  glorious  work.  Of  this  class  was  the  Sixth  Mas- 
sachusetts regiment,  which  had  just  baptized  its  colors  in  the  streets  of 
Baltimore,  taking  lead  even  of  the  chivalric  regiments  of  the  Empire  City. 
Of  this  class  was  the  thrice  glorious  Sixty-ninth,  as  brave  a  body  of  warm- 
hearted Irishmen  as  ever  trod  the  earth.  Perhaps  the  greatest  crowd 
that  ever  gathered  to  see  a  regiment  off"  assembled  when  this  body  of 
adopted  citizens  marched  forth  under  the  star-spangled  banner  and  the 
green  flag  of,  old  Ireland.  On  that  day  human  nature  acknowledged 
its  own  universal  kinship.  The  work-shop  and  the  counting-room,  the 
parlor  and  the  basement  met  for  once  on  a  level  of  noble  enthusiasm. 
The  palace  and  the  tenement  house  gave  forth  their  inmates  alike,  for  it 
was  a  common  country  which  these  men  went  forth  to  defend  with 
their  strength  and,  alas,  their  lives. 

Proud  mothers  and  wives  and  sisters,  who  had  watched  their  be- 
loved ones  march  oflf  in  the  ranks  of  some  favorite  regiment,  looked 
down  from  balconies  and  windows  with  tearful  eyes  upon  the  crowd  of 
women  who  lined  the  pavements. 

More  particularly  was  this  manifest  on  the  departure  of  the  Sixty- 
ninth.  What  warm,  true  hearts  crowded  the  pavements  that  day !  Old 
women,  little  children,  whole  households  clung  together,  sorrowfid  but 
O,  how  proud  of  the  valor  that  filled  their  eyes  with  tears. 

If  there  was  weeping  on  the  pavement,  it  was  answered  with  a  feeling 
of  gentle  sisterhood  from  the  balcony  and  window.     The  same  bright 


J 


THE   KATIONS    RESPONSE.  45 

eyes  that  had  seen  the  Seventh,  Seventy-first,  Twelfth  and  other  regi- 
ments pass,  through  a  mist  of  tears,  filled  with  sympathetic  moisture 
when  they  saw  these  poor  wives  and  mothers  break  through  all  re- 
straint and  lush  wildly  into  the  ranks  for  one  more  kiss,  a  hand-clasp, 
or,  if  no  more,  a  last  glance  of  loving  recognition. 

Perhaps  some  of  these  highly  bred  females  envied  the  social  freedom 
which  allowed  these  women  of  the  people  to  follow  their  husbands  and 
brothers  up  to  the  moment  of  embarkation,  without  a  thought  of  the 
world  beyond.  Many  an  embroidered  handkerchief  was  waved,  and 
many  a  sweet  blessing  murmured  in  gentle  sympathy  with  these  sister 
women  when  those  hard-working,  hard-fighting,  gloriously  brave  men 
went  forth  to  earn  imperishable  renown. 

Not  only  in  New  York,  but  all  over  the  North  and  West  these  ova- 
tions were  repeated.  Boston  Common  was  one  scene  of  mustering 
forces,  and  its  streets  a  panorama  of  armed  men.  Every  State  over 
which  the  blessed  old  star-spangled  banner  flung  its  folds,  sent  forth  its 
sons,  only  complaining  that  so  few  were  accepted.  Like  a  prairie  fire 
when  the  grass  is  dry,  the  war  spirit  leaped  from  town  to  town,  and 
from  State  to  State,  till  the  whole  North  was  ablaze  with  it. 

Troops  mustered  into  companies  and  massed  themselves  into  regiments 
in  the  North  and  the  great  West  so  numerous  and  so  fast  that  a  swift  pen 
might  fail  to  keep  the  record.  The  uprising  was  general.  Along  our 
water  courses,  along  our  railroads,  down  the  broad  avenues  of  our 
cities,  regiment  after  regiment  swept  a  continued  stream  of  armed  men, 
all  bearing  toward  the  capital.  For  the  whole  great  North  rose  as  one 
man  and  sprang  to  arms.  The  plough  was  left  in  the  furrow — the  ham- 
mer upon  the  anvil — the  saw  upon  the  bench — the  reaper  in  mid  prairie 
— the  shuttle  in  the  loom — the  pen  upon  the  ledger — the  engine  un- 
tended — the  press  unfed — the  busy  sails  of  commerce  unfurled,  and  the 
whirring  mill  unsupplied.  A  patient  people  had  arisen  in  its  might, 
with  clear  steel  and  the  rolling  thunder  of  cannon  they  were  prepared 
to  uphold  the  sacred  majesty  of  the  Union  flag,  while  a  splinter  remained 
of  the  stafi",  or  a  shred  of  the  fabric !  An  electric  flash  stirred  the  long- 
patient  and  dumb  millions  to  life  and  speech,  and  under  the  red  ensign 
of  war  they  rallied  in  the  common  cause. 

No  one  State  or  town  could  claim  pre-eminence  in  patriotic  fervor 
over  its  neighbors,  for  no  where  did  this  wild  enthusiasm  find  check  or 
hindrance.  Our  great  cities  could  only  claim  superiority  over  the 
smaller  towns  from  the  hospitality  with  which  they  received  troops 
from  the  country  and  cheered  them  onward  to  the  battle  field.  Boston, 
Portland,  New  Haven,  New  York,  Philadelphia,  and  the  leading  West- 
ern cities  formed  a  great  thoroughfare  for  the  mustering  army,  for  the 
coxmtry  around  poured  their  patriotic  masses  through  the  streets  of 


46  TOE   WAR  FOR  THE   ITNlOIf.  • 

these  cities,  and  the  press  gave  eclat  to  the  movements  which  reflected 
back  upon  the  cities  themselves.  But  in  the  great  North  and  the  great 
West  there  was  no  nook  or  corner  where  this  patriotic  furor  did  not 
exist. 

Monster  Union  meetings  were  held  in  every  city  of  the  loyal  States, 
and  within  an  incredibly  short  time,  Three  Hundred  and  Fifty  Thousand 
men  responded  to  the  call  of  the  President.  Great  as  the  number  was,  it 
proved  but  small  to  what  would  have  volunteered  had  they  been  needed,  or 
could  they  have  been  accepted,  for  with  bonfires  blazing  upon  every  hill, 
and  flags  waving  from  every  house-top — with  the  red,  white  and  blue 
upon  every  breast,  and  the  long  roll  beating  in  every  heart — with  wives 
sending  their  husbands — mothers  their  sons  and  girls  their  lovers,  such 
a  battle  cry  was  raised  as  the  earth  had  never  listened  to,  and  nations 
of  the  old  world  heard  with  astonishment. 


EEIirrOEOEMENT  OP  POET  PIOKENS. 

April  12,  1861. 

The  Navy  Yard  and  forts  in  the  harbor  of  Pensacola,  from  their  ex- 
tent and  importance,  were  particularly  the  objects  of  insurgent  ambition. 
General  Bragg  and  his  counsellors  hard  so  adroitly  arranged  their  plans 
that  it  was  confidently  expected  that  the  government  forts,  buildings  and 
property  would  fall  into  their  peaceable  occupation.  On  the  12th  of 
January,  the  navy  yard  and  barracks,  together  with  Fort  Barrancas,  fell 
into  their  possession,  and  shortly  afterwards  Fort  McRae  met  with  the 
same  fate ;  but  Lieutenant  Slemmer,  the  United  States  officer  in  com- 
mand  of  the  forts  of  Pensacola  hai'bor,  courageously  threw  his  small 
force  of  eighty-two  men  into  Fort  Pickens,  and  had  thus  far  held  at  bay 
the  large  army  of  insurgents  who  were  preparing  to  attack  him. 

The  harbor  of  Pensacola  is  probably  the  largest  and  finest  on  the 
whole  coast  of  the  Mexican  Gulf.  The  bay  is  six  miles  wide  and  about 
twelve  long.  The  Warrington  navy  yard  was  seven  miles  by  land 
from  Pensacola  and  six  miles  and  three-quarters  by  water.  About  a 
mile  from  the  navy  yard,  west,  stood  Fort  Barrancas,  and  a  mile  far- 
ther Fort  ISIcRae,  which  commands  the  bar.  Opposite  Fort  McRae 
was  Fort  Pickens,  the  channel  running  between  them.  Near  Fort 
Pickens  was  a  redoubt.  On  the  opposite  side  of  Pensacola,  across  the 
bay,  Santa  Rosa  island  extends  several  miles  to  the  bar,  at  the  extremity 
of  which  is  Fort  Pickens.  A  vessel  coming  into  the  harbor  must  ne- 
cessarily pass  between  Fort  Pickens  and  Fort  McRae,  and  in  close 
proximity  to  Barrancas. 


EEINTOECEMENT    OF   FORT   PICKENS.  47 

Fort  Pickens  is  a  bastioned  work  of  the  first  class,  built  of  New- 
York  granite ;  its  walls  forty-five  feet  in  height  and  twelve  in  thickness. 
It  is  embrasured  for  two  tiers  of  guns,  placed  under  bomb-proof 
casemates,  besides  having  one  tier  en  barbette.  The  work  was  com- J 
menced  in  1848  and  finished  in  1853,  at  a  cost  of  nearly  one  million 
dollars.  Its  war  complement  of  soldiers  is  1,260.  Its  full  armament 
consists  of  210  guns,  howitzers,  and  mortars,  of  all  calibres.  m 

Simultaneous  with  the  determination  to  reinforce  Fort  Sumter,  the 
government  resolved  to  send  relief  to  Fort  Pickens,  which  was  then 
threatened  by  a  force  of  7,000  men  under  General  Bragg,  strongly  en- 
trenched, and  occupying  the  other  forts  in  the  harbor. 

A  fleet  of  six  United  States  vessels  lay  in  the  harbor,  and  they  had 
been  notified  by  General  Bragg  that  he  would  immediately  open  fire 
upon  them  and  Fort  Pickens  also,  should  they  attempt  to  reinforce  the 
garrison. 

Previous  to  the  10th  of  April,  the  steam-frigate  Powhatan  and  the 
transports  Atlantic  and  Illinois  had  sailed  from  New  York  with  troops, 
ordnance  and  provisions,  for  Fort  Pickens ;  but  before  their  arrival  at 
that  place,  a  bearer  of  dispatches  from  Washington  reached  the  com- 
mander of  the  naval  forces  in  the  bay,  with  instructions  to  reinforce  the- 
fort.  Between  the  hours  of  11  and  12'  o'clock  on  Friday  night,  April 
12th,  this  was  accomplished  without  bloodshed.  "As  soon  as  it  became 
dark,"  said  an  officer  on  board  tlie  sloop-of-war  Brooklyn,  one  of  the 
blockading  fleet,  "  Ave  began  work  with  good  will  and  in  earnest.  At 
first  the  marines  from  the  frigate  Sabine  and  the  sloop  St.  Louis,  came 
on  board  our  vessel,  and^immediately  after  the  accomplishment  of  this, 
the  anchor  was  hoisted  by  the  jolly  old  salts,  with  the  merry  chant  of— 

'  General  Jackson  won  the  day. 
Heave,  yeo  ho ! 
At  New  Orleans,  the  people  say  < 

Yeo,  heave  yeo ! ' 

"We  ran  as  close  to  the  shore  as  possible,  came  to  anchor,  and  without  a 
moment's  delay,  lowered  the  boats  and  filled  them  with  troops. 

"At  11  o'clock.  Lieutenant  Albert  N.  Smith,  of  Massachusetts,  being 
in  command,  they  started  on  their  mission,  uncertain  if  they  would  live 
to  see  the  light  of  another  day.  As  they  left  the  side  of  the  vessel, 
many  a  '  God  cause  you  to  succeed,'  came  from  tthe  lips  of  the  loyal 
men  at  my  side.  If  I  live  a  thousand  years  I  shall  never  forget  the 
feelings  I  experienced  when  I  saw  those  brave  fellows  shake  hands  with 
their  old  comrades.  A  tear  would  now  and  then  glisten  in  the  gloom, 
but  be  instantly  wiped  away  with  a  clenched  hand.    These  men  knew 


48  THE   WAR   FOR   THE   UNIOS. 

their  danger,  and  with  the  knowledge,  dared  to  face  it  with  a  ijourage 
eminently  worthy  of  praise — and  may  they  receive  it ! 

"  The  party  were  instructed  to  send  up  signals  should  they  be  attacked, 
and  I  do  assure  you  never  were  keener  eyes  than  ours  on  that  event- 
ful night,  as  we  pierced  into  the  darkness,  momentarily  expecting 
to  see  a  rocket  light  up  the  midnight  gloom  ;  but  none  appeared. 
While  we  were  thus  anxiously  awaiting  some  evidence  of  the  success 
or  non-success  of  their  mission,  a  boat  was  hailed.  A  faint  answer 
comes  back :  '  Lieutenant  Smith  and  the  boat's  crew ! '  and  in  whis- 
pers we  hear  the  news,  '  they  have  been  successful ! '  Brother  officer^ 
shake  hands,  and  give  Lieutenant  Smith  that  praise  justly  deserved 
by  him.  They  went  around  inside  of  the  harbor,  passed  under  the  guns 
of  Forts  McRae  and  Barrancas  without  being  heard,  and  safely  landed 
all  the  troops  without  molestation. 

"  This  being  successfully  accomplished,  it  was  almost  instantly  con- 
cluded to  make  a  new  attempt,  and  orders  were  given  that  all  the  ma- 
rines in  the  squadron  should  take  to  their  boats,  preparatory  to  their 
being  put  in  the  fort.  This  being  done,  the  steamer  Wyandotte  took 
them  in  charge,  and  towed  them  as  far  as  she  could  go,  when  they  left 
her  and  pulled  into  the  harbor,  taking  the  same  course  the  first  party 
had,  and  in  good  time  reached  the  fort,  and  safely  landed  all  who  were 
in  the  boats.  Just  as  the  day  was  breaking,  we  saw  from  our  deck  the 
boats  shoving  off  from  the  beach ;  and  when  they  returned  to  us,  our 
anchor  was  mstantly  '  up,'  and  we  steaming  to  our  old  anchorage  with 
very  different  sensations  from  those  we  had  when  we  started  for  the 
work.  Thus  the  Brooklyn  accomplished  what  she  was  sent  here  for, — 
the  reinforcement  of  Fort  Pickens  in  spite  of  <jreneral  Bragg." 

A  few  days  after  this  fort  had  been  so  nobly  reinforced,  the  splendid 
steamer  Atlantic  sailed  into  the  Unio#  fleet,  laden  with  troops  for  the 
fort.  The  next  day  she  was  joined  by  the  frigate  Powhatan,  and  again 
by  the  Illinois,  all  laden  with  troops  and  military  stores.  Thus  a  thou- 
sand more  troops  were  thrown  into  the  stronghold,  which,  with  the  fleet 
outside,  made  it  impregnable. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  an  attack  upon  Fort  Pickens  was  contemplated 
the  very  night  these  reinforcements  arrived.  The  assaulting  party  was 
composed  of  five  hundred  picked  men,  two  hundred  and  fifty  of  whom 
were  from  the  Mississippi  Ninth,  to  be  led  by  C.  H.  Harris  of  the  Home 
Guard  ;  fifty  from  the  Tenth  Mississippi,  and  the  others  from  other 
troops  at  Pensacola|  All  necessary  preparations  were* made  for  moving 
about  1 1  o'clock  at  ni^it.  The  storming  party  were  led  down  to  the 
Navy  Yard,  from  whence  it  would  probably  have  embarked  in  boats. 

It  is  surmised  that  Colonel  Forney  would  have  been  the  leader.  There 
was  no  doubt  entertained  of  his  success.     Before  the  force  arrived  it 


BUBNING   OF   HABP£B's   FEBBY   ABSEXAL.  40 

was  evident  the  fort  had  been  reinforced,  and  all  thought  of  the  medi- 
tated assault  was  abandoned.  The  men  picked  for  this  special  service 
lay  on  their  arms  all  night  in  the  Navy  Yard. 


BTTENING  OF  HAEPEE'S  TEEET  AESENAL. 

Apeii,  18,  1861. 

The  ordinance  of  secession  of  the  State  of  Virginia  was  adopted  in 
secret  session  on  the  17th  of  April,  and  the  Governor  of  the  State, 
John  Letcher,  immediately  issued  orders  for  the  seizure  of  the  Federal 
posts  and  property  by  the  military  of  the  State.  A  most  important 
post  to  be  first  secured  comprised  the  extensive  and  valuable  arsenal, 
with  all  its  workshops  and  machinery  for  the  manufacture  of  arms,  at 
Harper's  Ferry,  a  place  which  had  been  rendered  familiar  as  a  house- 
hold word,  from  its  seizure  by  John  Brown  and  his  party,  in  the  au- 
tumn of  18^. 

Harper's  Ferry  is  situated  in  Jefferson  county,  Virginia,  at  the  con- 
fluence of  the  Potomac  and  Shenandoah  rivers,  and  is  173  miles  distant 
from  Richmond,  57  from  Washington,  and  80  from  Baltimore.  The 
population  was  about  5,000.  The  arsenal  at  this  place  contained  15,000 
stand  of  arms,  in  addition  to  other  military  stores,  then  in  charge  of 
Lieutenant  R.  Jones,  with  a  detachment  of  TJ.  S.  Rifles,  numbering  43 
men.  Lieutenant  Jones  had  received  advice  from  Washington  that  his 
post  was  in  inmainent  danger.  He  was  directed  to  be  prepared  for  any 
emergency  that  might  arise.  On  the  17th  he  received  information  from 
various  sources  that  an  attack  would  be  made  on  the  night  of  the  18th. 
Early  in  the  evening  of  that  day,  the  little  garrison  commenced  prepa- 
rations to  destroy  the  arsenal  and  its  contents  by  fire.  The  windows  and 
doors  of  the  buildings  were  then  thrown  open,  that  the  flames  might 
have  a  full  current  of  air.  At  nine  o'clock  authentic  information  reached 
Lieutenant  Jones  that  2000  men  were  close  at  hand. 

The  men  worked  bravely,  cutting  up  planks  and  splitting  timbers  into 
kindling-wood,  which  were  heaped  ready  for  the  flames.  They  emptied 
their  mattresses,  filled  them  Tvith  powder,  and  carried  them  thus  into 
the  buildings,  that  no  suspicion  might  be  excited  among  the  people. 
The  arms  were  then  placed  in  the  best  position  to  be  destroyed  by  the 
explosion,  and  the  combustibles  deposited  in  different  places  in  the 
shops,  that  all  might  be  ready. 

When  all  was  completed,  the  fii'es  were  started  in  the  combustibles 
heaped  ia  the  carpenters'  shop.  The  trains  leading  to  the  powder  were 
ignited,  and  the  men  were  led  forth. 

All  at  once  a  cry  of  fire  rang  through  the  town.  The  frightened  in- 
4 


50  THB  WAB  FOB  THE  UKION. 

habitants  rushed  from  the  houses,  and  as  Lieutenant  Jones  and  his  men 
entered  the  gateway  of  the  bridge,  an  excited  crowd  pursued  him  with 
menaces  and  threats  of  vengeance.  He  wheeled  his  men  into  line,  and 
announced  his  determination  to  fire  upon  the  pursuers  if  they  molested 
him.  The  people  then  fell  back,  and  he  escaped  by  the  canal  and  took 
refuge  in  the  woods. 

A  quarter  of  an  hour  after,  when  this  band  of  valiant  men  were 
grouped  in  the  darkness  of  the  woods,  the  first  thunders  of  the  explo- 
sion echoed  through  the  hills,  and  flames  leaped  forth  from  the  burning 
buildings,  illuminating  the  grand  scenery  of  the  place  into  wonderful 
beauty.  The  water,  the  village,  and  those  glorious  mountain  passes 
that  surround  Harper's  Ferry  with  a  grandeur  which  the  whole  world 
recognizes,  were  illuminated  into  all  their  green  and  crystal  depths. 
After  pausing  a  moment  to  witness,  the  result  of  their  own  noble  work, 
tJliis  gallant 'officer  and  his  brave  men  turned  their  faces  northward,  and 
left  Harper's  Ferry,  saluted  by  fresh  bursts  of  explosion,  and  lighted 
onward  by  jets  of  flame  that  leaped  up  from  the  sur^ng  clouds  in 
which  the  arsenal  was  enveloped,  till  the  sky  glowed  above  them  lil«j  a 
golden  canopy. 

Leaving  the  scene  of  conflagration  behind.  Lieutenant  Jones  made  a 
hurried  march  toward  Ilagerstown,  Maryland,  wading  through  streams 
and  swamps,  and  reached  that  place  at  seven  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
the  19th.  There  he  immediately  procured  means  of  conveyance,  and 
Btarted  for  Chambersbui"g,  Pennsylvania,  which  he  reached  in  the  after- 
noon in  an  exhausted  condition.  The  men  were  covered  with  mud  and 
dirt,  and  were  overcome  with  fatigue  and  hunger,  having  eaten  nothing 
since  leaving  Harper's  Ferry.  They  were  hospitably  entertained  by  the 
inhabitants,  and  departed  in  the  afternoon  train  for  Carlisle  barracks. 
Lieutenant  Jones  and  his  men  received  the  approbation  and  thanks  of  the 
Government  for  their  judicious  conduct  on  this  occasion,  and  he  was 
commissioned  Assistant  Quartermaster-General,  XJ.  S.  A.,  with  the  rank 
of  Captain. 

The  arsenal  buildings  were  imniediately  taken  possession  of  by  the 
rebel  authorities,  and  used  for  the  purpose  of  making  and  repairing 
arms,  until  they  again  came  into  possession  of  the  Federal  authorities. 


THROUGH  BALTIMOEE. - 

A  terrible  civil  war,  destined  to  be  without  parallel  for  bitter  in- 
tenseness,  was  now  fully  revealed.  The  curtain  that  had  so  long  screen 
ed  the  enemies  of  the  Union  in  their  machinations  against  the  Govern- 
ment, had  been  raised  at  Fort  Sumter ;  and  in  the  seizure  of  Harper's 


THEOUGH   BALTIMORE.  51 

Ferrj-  arsenal,  although  its  usefulness  to  them  had  been  seriously 
impaired  by  tlie  true  hearts  and  hands  that  applied  the  torch,  and 
rendered  the  darkness  of  night  lurid  with  its  conflagration,  deso- 
lation and  ruin  had  already  began  their  march,  leaving  their  footr 
prints  in  ashes  among  the  lovely  scenes  of  civilized  life,  and  rioting 
amid  the  legendary  grandeur  and  time-honored  places  of  the  Old  Do- 
minion. 

It  needed  but  one  act  more  to  encircle  us  with  the  thunders  of  war 

to  plunge  the  nation  into  an  almost  fathomless  ocean  of  civil  hatred 

and  revenge,  and  leave  upon  the  pages  of  history  the  unhappy  record 
of  many  an  ensanguined  field.  The  green  sward  of  a  happy,  prosper- 
ous and  free  land  only  remained  to  be  crimsoned  with  blood  !  The  heart 
of  some  martyr  freemen  needed  only  to  be  drained  of  its  life-blood,  and 
the  stripes  of  our  old  flag  dyed  a  deeper  crimso^  in  the  precious  flood. 
Soon,  too  soon,  alas !  this  last  fatal  act  was  accomplished.  The  day 
after  the  burning  of  Harper's  Ferry  saw  the  streets  of  Baltimore  red 
with  sacred  tlood,  and  a  nation  shuddered  as  the  lightnmg  spread  the 
fatal  news  from  State  to  State. 

4  For  months  threats  had  been  whispered  that  Washington  should  be 
seized  ;  that  an  armed  mob  should  revel  in  the  capital  and  drive  Lin- 
coln from  the  White  House.  These  threats  were  not  idle  boastings, 
as  the  confidence,  celerity,  and  preparation  of  the  insurgents  proved. 
While  the  country  north  of  the  Potomac  was  solacing  itself  with  dreams 
of  peace— while  plenty  was  filling  every  coffer  to  ovei-flowing,  great 
preparations  had  been  making,  and  that  for  a  very  long  time,  to  secure 
the  end  they  now  had  in  view.  Sudden,  imexpected,  like  the  deep 
tolling  of  a  midnight  alarm-bell,  the  news  fell  upon  the  country.  Fear, 
amounting  almost  to  panic,  seized  upon  the  people,  and  when  the  orders 
were  issued  for  the  instant  assembling  of  troops,  the  rush  to  arms  was 
"proof  positive  of  this  deep  alarm. 

As  in  the  olden  days,  the  sons  of  Massachusetts — ^brave,  hardy,  fear- 
less as  their  own  sea-washed  rock — rushed  first  to  arms  and  responded 
to  the  call.  In  less  than  twenty-four  hours,  seventeen  hundred  men  were 
waiting  in  Boston — armed,  ready  and  anxious  to  march.  The  order 
came,  and  early  in  the  morning  of  the  nineteenth  of  April— a  day 
memorable  in  the  history  of  the  country,  as  the  anniversary  «if  the 
battle  of  Lexington— the  Sixth  Regiment  of  Massachusetts  militia,  com- 
manded by  Col.  E.  P.  Jones,  of  Pepperell,  and  accompanied  by  three 
companies  from  another  regiment,  attached  temporarily  to  his  com- 
mand (comprising,  in  all,  about  one  thousand  men),  left  Philadelphia 
for  Washington,  arriving  in  Baltimore  at  ten  o'clock,  a.m.  The  same 
train  also  contained  about  twelve  hundred  men  from  Philadelphia,  un- 
der the  command  of  General  Small.    These  were  unarmed,  provision 

UNIVERSITY  Of 
*  ILLINOIS  LIBRARY 

AT  URBANA^HAMPAJOft 


52  TIIK  WAR  FOR  THE   UNI  05". 

having  been  made  for  their  being  supplied,  in  this  respect,  on  their 
arrival  at  Washington. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  train  at  the  President-street  depot,  the  locomo- 
tives were  detached,  and  horses  substituted,  occasioning  much  delay, 
for  tliere  was  an  inadequate  supply.  A  very  large  crowd  had  gathered 
around,  and  though  the  reception  was  not  one  of  courtesy,  yet  no  one 
would  have  anticipated  serious  trouble. 

Six  cars  passed  in  safety,  before  the  fast-increasing  mob  (for  it  could 
now  be  called  by  no  other  name),  succeeded  in  obstructing  the  track, 
and  thus  cutting  off  three  companies  of  the  Massachusetts  troops  from 
their  comrades,  besides  General  Small's  command,  who  had  remained 
at' the  depot  of  the  Philadelphia  road.  A  hasty  consultation  was  held, 
and  it  was  determined  by  the  officers  to  march  the  jMassachusetts  com- 
panies to  their  destination ;  and  the  detachment,  under  the  command 
of  Captain  Follansbee*  at  once  set  out. 

Then  it  was  that  the  long-smothered  fires  burst  out  openly,  and  were 
not  to  be  controlled.  In  the  streets  of  the  Monumental  City,  in  the 
face  of  a  little  band  of  patriots,  and  in  defiance  of  the  civilized  world,  a 
secession  flag— a  mutilated  effigy  of  the  stars  and  stripes — was  flaunted 
in  the  face  of  these  Massachusetts  men,  with  taunts  and  sneers,  which 
they  received  in  grave  silence.  Hemmed  in,  surrounded,  cut  off"  from 
assistance,  the  sons  of  Massachusetts  were  forbidden  to  proceed,  and 
boastfully  taunted  with  their  inability  to  march  through  the  city.  Cheer 
upon  cheer  rang  forth  for  the  South,  Jeff.  Davis,  Secession  and  South 
Carolina,  and  mocking  groans  for  the  tried  and  true  triends  of  the  Union. 

But  the  sons  of  men  who  fought  at  Bunker  Hill,  at  Monmouth,  and 
Valley  Forge,  could  not  be  made  to  understand  the  words,  "  Turn 
back."  The  blood  of  patriots  had  been  transmitted  to  them,  and  no 
shame  could  fall  upon  the  memories  of  their  revolutionary  fathers  by 
their  acts.  They  had  started  for  Washington — started. to  help  form  a 
nation's  bulwark  around  a  nation's  heart,  and  were  not  to  be  stayed  by 
sneers  or  threats. 

"  Forward  the  Sixth," — the  command  given  and  obeyed  in  that  mo- 
ment of  peril,  has  rendered  the  Sixth  regiment  of  Massachusetts  immor- 
tal !  Forward,  as  at  Lexmgton,  with  fearless  hearts,  unblenchrng  lips, 
and  ^mswerving  tread,  they  marched  on  boldly,  as  they  would  have 
gone  up  to  the  cannon's  mouth. 

"Forward!"  A  bridge  half  destroyed,  torn  up,  difficult  of  cross- 
ing, Avas  passed ;  then  the  air  was  darkened  with  missiles  of  every 
dangerous  name  and  character,  showered  upon  their  devoted  heads. 
Stones,  brick-backs,  clubs,  anything  savage  hands  could  clutch,  were 
hurled  from  street  and  house-top,  while  the  hissiug  rush  of  shot  and 
ball  played  wildly  from  musket  and  revolver. 


m 


TIIKOUGH   BALTIMORE. 


68 


Ah !  it  was  a  cruel,  cold-blooded  murder  of  innocent  men — of  bro- 
thers. An  act  of  treachery  unparalleled  in  the  history  of  any  nation, 
whether  civilized  or  savage — a  rendering  of  the  "Monuments  "  of  BaV 
timore  a  mockery  for  all  time. 

Struck  down  by  shot  and  stones,  wounded,  surromided,  hopeless  of 
help,  these  brave  men  yet  stood  their  ground  and  even  questioned 
whether  it  would  he  right  to  retaliate.  A  question  without  a  parallel  and 
proving  the  pure  gold  of  those  brave  hearts. 


ATTACK  OK  THB  MASSACIIDSETIS   SIXTH  IN  BALTDIORS. 


But  the  time  when  forbearance  ceases  to  be  a  virtue,  came  at  last  to 
these  heroic  men — these  tender-hearted,  christianized  soldiers ;  when 
self-preservation,  the  sternly  just  primal  law  of  our  nature  commanded 
them  to  defend  themselves.  With  firm  front,  but  with  sad  hearts  they 
prepared  to  execute  the  command,  and  many  a  form  that  would  not 
have  trembled  amid  the  shock  of  battle,  trembled  now  as  his  musket 
rang  the  death  peal. 

Unable  to  stand  the  charge,  to  fac«  the  deadly  music  their  own 
cowardly  hearts  had  awakened — afraid  to  listen  to  the  awful  tttmult  of 
battle,  the  mob  broke  and  sought  also  to  arm  themselves.  Save  from 
private  sources,  stores,  gunshops  and  the  like,  they  failed  in  securing 
any,  for  the  armories  had  been  well  protected  in  anticipation  of  this 


*4  THB   WAE   FOR   TUB   UNIOW. 

possible  event.  An  incessant  storm  of  stones,  however,  answered  every 
musket  shot,  and  wliile  the  fearless  "  Sixth  "  still  pressed  on,  more  than 
one  of  their  number  fell  by  the  way,  and  was  borne  oflf  helpless  and 
wounded,  by  the  police. 

The  fight  was  a  running  one,  terrific  in  its  results,  as  it  was  rapid  in 
its  execution,  and  though  the  soldiers  at  length  succeeded  in  reaching 
the  depot,  with  the  loss  of  only  two  killed  and  nine  wounded  ;  while 
their  assailants'  loss  was  nine  killed  and  eight  severely  wounded,  yet  the 
streets  were  stained  with  American  blood,  drawn  by  American  hands. 
The  pavement  stones  were  red  with  the  life-tide  of  brothers.  Stained 
indelibly,  for  though  the  marks  have  long  since  been  effaced  by  the  pure 
rains  of  a  merciful  heaven,  and  the  ceaseless  tramp  of  busy  feet,  yet 
they  are  graven  on  the  records  of  the  age  with  a  pen  of  fire,  carving 
deeper  than  steel,  and  more  lasting  than  marble ! 

The  unarmed  Pennsylvania  troops,  taking  the  alarm,  were  sent  back, 
though  not  without  injury  from  the  infuriated  mob. 

Tlie  band  of  the  glorious  Sixth,  consisting  of  twenty-four  persons, 
together  with  their  musical  instruments,  occupied  a  car  by  themselves 
from  Philadelphia  to  Baltimore.  By  some  accident  the  musicians'  car 
got  switched  off  at  the  Canton  depot,  so  that,  instead  of  being  the  first, 
it  was  left  in  the  rear  of  all  the  others,  and  after  the  attack  had  been 
made  by  the  mob  upon  the  soldiers,  they  came  upon  the  car  in  which 
the  band  was  still  sitting,  wholly  unarmed,  and  incapable  of  making 
any  defence.  ,  The  infuriated  demons  approached  theui,  howling  and 
yelling,  and  poured  in  upon  them  a  shower  of  stones,  broken  iron,  and 
other  missiles;  wounding  some  severely,  and  demolishing  their  instru- 
ments. Some  of  the  miscreants  jumped  upon  the  roof  of  the  car,  and, 
with  a  bar  of  iron,  beat  a  hole  through  it,  while  others  were  calling  fw* 
powder  to  blow  them  all  up  in  a  heap. 

Finding  that  it  would  be  sure  destruction  to  remain  longer  in  the 
oar,  the  poor  fellows  jumped  out  to  meet  their  fiendish  assailants  hand 
to  hand.  They  were  saluted  with  a  shower  of  stones,  but  took  to  their 
heels,  fighting  their  way  through  the  crowd,  and  running  at  random, 
without  knowing  in  what  direction  to  go  for  assistance  or  shelter. 

As  they  were  hurrying  along,  a  rough-looking  man  suddenly  jumped 
in  front  of  their  leader,  and  exclaimed :  "  This  way,  boys !  this  wny !" 

It  was  the  first  friendly  voice  they  had  heard  since  entering  Balti- 
more; they  stopped  to  ask  no  questions,  but  followed  their  guide, 
who  took  them  up  a  narrow  court,  where  they  found  an  open  door, 
into  which  they  rushed,  being  met  inside  by  a  powerful-looking' 
woman,  who  grasped  each  one  by  the  hand,  and  directed  them  up- 
stairs. The  last  of  their  band  was  knocked  senseless  just  as  he  was 
eaitering  the  door,  by  a  stone,  which  struck  him  on  the  head ;  \>\xt  the 


THROUGH    B.VLTIMOJBE. 


55 


woTiian  who  had  welcomed  them,  immediately  caught  up  their  fallen 
comrade,  and  carried  him  in  her  arms  up  the  stairs. 

"  You  are  perfectly  safe  here,  boys,"  said  the  brave  woman,  who 
directly  proceeded  to  wash  and  bind  up  their  wounds. 

After  having  done  this,  she  procured  them  food,  and  then  told  them 
to  strip  off  their  uniforms  and  put  on  the  clothes  she  had  brought  them, 
a  motley  assortment  of  baize  jackets,  ragged  coats,  and  old  trowsers. 
Thus  equipped,  they  were  enabled  to  go  out  in  search  of  their  com- 
panions, without  danger  of  attack  from  the  mob,  which  had  given  them 
so  rough  a  reception. 

They  then  learned  the  particulars  of  the  attack  upon  the  soldiers,  and 
of  their  escape,  and  saw  lying  at  the  station  the  two  men  who  had 
been  killed,  and  the  others  who  had  been  wounded.  On  going  back 
to  the  house  where  they  had  been  so  humanely  treated,  they  found 
that  their  clothes  had  been  carefully  tied  up,  and  with  their  battered 
instruments,  had  been  sent  to  the  depot  of  the  Philadelphia  railroad, 
where  they  were  advised  to  go  themselves.  They  did  not  long  hesi- 
tate, but  started  in  the  next  train,  and  arrived  at  Philadelphia  just  in 
time  to  meet  the  Eighth  regiment  of  Massachusetts  Volunteers. 

Contrast  this  generous  act  with  that  of  an  old  gray-haired  man,  aged 
more  than  sixty-five  years,  who  saw  one  of  the  Massachusetts  soldiers 
in  the  act  of  levelling  his  musket,  when  he  rushed  in  his  shirt  sleeves 
from  his  shop,  disarmed  the  man  by  main  force,  and  killed  him  with 
the  bayonet— and  you  have  some  idea  of  the  conflicting  elements  which 
composed  the  Baltimore  riot. 

Increasing  by  what  it  had  fed  on,  the  lawless  spirit  ran  still  more 
high ;  its  black  waves  rolled  and  surged,  and  no  ^ower  could  be  found 
strong  enough  to  control  them.  The  demon  spirit  that  ran  riot  during 
the  days  of  Robespierre,  and  the  fiendish  hours  of  the  "  Reign  of 
Terror,"  appeared  m  the  streets  of  Baltimore,  and  foul  lips  sang  re- 
bellious songs.      Secession   and    murder  minglmg   together  in  rude 

discord. 

The  rulers  were  impotent  to  check  the  storm,  or  control  the  whirl- 
wind.   The  people  were  for  the  time  masters— the  authorities  helpless. 

On  this  memorable  19th  of  April,  the  writer  of  these  pages  was  on 
her  way  from  Wushington  to  New  York.  The  train  in  which  she 
travelled  was  loaded  down  with  persons  going  northward,  for  Wash- 
ington was  not  considered  a  safe  place  to  sojourn  in  that  week,  espe- 
cially for  ladies. 

About  ten  miles  from  Baltimore  we  met  the  train  which  bore  the  Sixth 

•Massachusetts  regiment  from  the  scene  of  its  late  encounter.     Both 

trains  slackened  speed,  and  instantly  it  flew  like  wildfire  along  the  cars 

that  there  had  been  riot  and  bloodshed  in  Baltimore,  and  the  brave  fel- 


56  TUB    WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 

lows  we  had  passed  had  been  attacked  in  their  passage  through  the 
town.  The  news  was  received  with  great  excitement,  that  grew  more 
and  more  intense  until  our  engine  thundered  into  the  depot.  The  fight- 
ing was  over,  but  a  mob  of  morose  and  cruel-looking  men,  with  a  few 
black  women  and  children,  still  hung  around  the  building,  and  we  passed 
out  through  a  lane  of  scowling  faces. 

The  horse  railroad  had  been  torn  up  and  so  blockaded  that  there  was 
no  hopes  of  reaching  the  Philadelphia  cars  by  that  way.  With  difii, 
culty  we  procured  a  carriage  and  were  drawn  over  the  scene  of  con- 
flict. The  railroad  was  almost  obliterated;  piles  of  lumber,  fifteen  feet 
high,  were  heaped  upon  it.  Immense  anchors  lay  across  it,  forming  an 
iron  barricade.  Every  window  along  the  line  was  crowded  with  eager, 
scared  faces,  mostly  black,  and  those  that  were  white,  evidently  of  the 
lowest  order. 

It  became  impossible  to  pass  along  the  railroad,  for  it  was  completely 
blocked  up.  We  turned  into  a  side  street,  and  at  last  took  our  places 
in  the  Philadelphia  train.  Here  two  or  three  men  in  unifo^:m  entered 
the  cars,  and  after  the  train  started  they  were  seen  talking  earnestly 
with  the  conductor  near  our  seat.  It  seemed  that  the  Pennsylvania 
regiment  had  been  scattered,  and  while  a  train  had  returned  toward 
Philadelphia  with  the  larger  portion  of  the  men,  some  twenty-five  or 
thirty  were  grouped  on  the  wayside,  some  miles  from  the  city,  hoping 
that  our  train  would  take  them  in. 

The  conductor  Tvas  inexorable.  His  orders  were  to  proceed  direct — 
besides,  he  had  no  room,  every  seat  was  crowded.  This  was  true ;  but 
all  the  gentlemen,  among  whom  was  Senator  Wilkinson,  of  Minnesota, 
and  several  ladies  that  sat  within  hearing,  pleaded  that  the  men  should 
be  taken  in,  and  all  offered  to  surrender  their  own  seats.  But  it  was 
of  no  avail — the  conductor  had  his  orders. 

A  few  minutes  after  the  officers  had  retreated  we  passed  a  platform 
on  the  Avayside  on  which  these  unlucky  soldiers  were  grouped,  in  anxious 
expectation  that  the  train  would  stop,  but  it  went  steadily  by,  leaving 
the  most  disappointed  and  gloomy  faces  behind  that  oneoft'i^i  looks"  upon. 

We  afterwards  learned  that  these  poor  Yellows  wandered*  around  the 
country  for  three  days,  and  many  of  them  came  back  to  .Phijidelphia 
on  foot. 

If  they  were  sad  at  being  left,  those  in  the  cars  were  both  sorrowful 
and  indignant  that  they  had  not  been  taken  up.  It  seemed  to  them  an 
act  of  wanton  cruelty ;  and  one  of  the  company,  at  least,  has  not  yet 
been  able  to  change  her  opinion  on  the  subject. 

At  Wilmington  we  passed  the  town  in  which  were  the  companions  of 
these  deserted  men.  Their  train  had  paused  in  the  town,  which  we  found 
one  blaze  of  excitement.    As  the  news  spretid,  cheer  after  cheer  arose  for 


I 


THROUGH    BALTIMOllE.  67 

the  stars  and  stripes,  the  soldiers,  the  government,  and  everything  else 
around  which  a  patriotic  cry  could  centre,  rang  up  from  the  streets.  The 
people  ■Nvere  fairly  wild  when  they  saw  that  the  soldiers  were  driven 
back.  • 

In  every  town  and  at  every  depot  this  wild  spirit  of  indignation  in- 
creased as  we  advanced.  Philadelphia  was  full  of  armed  men ;  regi- 
ments were  rushing  to  the  arsenals,  groups  of  me"h  talked  eagerly  in  the 
streets — martial  music  sounded  near  the  Continental  Hotel  at  inter^^als 
all  night.  The  city  was  one  scene  of  wild  commotion.  In  the  morning 
the  Seventh  New  York  regiment  came  in.  The  day  before  they  had  left 
the  Empire  City  one  blaze  of  star-spangled  flags  and  in  a  tumult  of  patri- 
otic enthusiasm.  That  morning  they  were  hailed  in  Philadelphia  with 
like  spirit.  Expecting  to  march  through  Baltimore,  they  panted  for  an 
opportunity  of  avenging  the  noble  men  who  had  fallen  there.  The  citi- 
zens met  them  with  generous  hospitality,  and  their  passage  through 
Philadelphia  was  an  ovation. 

But  their  indignation  towards  the  Baltimorians  was  not  to  be  appeased 
by  fighting  their  own  way  through  that  city.  Orders  reached  them  to 
advance  toward  Washington  through  Annapolis,  and  they  obeyed,  much 
against  J,he  general  inclination  of  the  regiment. 

I  have  said  that  the  authorities  in  Baltimore  were  powerless ;  they 
had  no  means  of  learning  how  far  the  secession  spirit  had  spread 
through  the  city.  It  is  true  the  riot  of  the  19th  had  been  ostensibly 
the  action  of  a  low  mob,  but  how  far  the  same  spirit  extended  among 
the  people  no  one  could  guess. 

On  the  20th  the  mob  became  more  and  more  belligerent.  It  assem- 
bled at  Canton,  fired  a  pistol  at  the  engineer  of  the  Philadelphia  train 
when  it  came  in,  and  forcing  the  passengers  to  leave  the  cars,  rushed 
in  themselves  and  compelled  the  engineer  to  take  them  back  to  Gun- 
powder bridge.  There  the  train  Avas  stopped  while  the  mob  set  fire  to 
the  draw-bridge,  then  returned  to  Bush  river  bridge,  burned  the  draw 
there,  and  finished  their  raid  by  burning  Canton  bridge. 

While  this  ^Was-  going  on  outside  the  city,  materials  for  fresh  commo- 
tion "were' gathering  in  the  streets. 

All  throiigh  the  day  the  accessions  from  the  country  were  coming 
in.  Sometimes  a  squad  of  infantry,  sometimes  a  troop  of  horse,  and 
once  a  sniall  park  of  artillery.  It  was  nothing  extraordinary  to  see  a 
*'  solitary  horseman  "  riding  in  from  the  country,  with  shot-gun,  powder- 
horn  and  flask.  Some  came  with  provender  lashed  to  the  saddle,  pre- 
pared to'  picket  off  for  the  night.  '  Boys  accompanied  their  fathers, 
accoutred  apparently  with  the  sword  and  holster-pistols  that  had  done 
service  a  century  ago.  There  appeared  strange  contrasts  between 
the  stem,  solemn  bearing  of  the  father,  and  the  buoyant,  excited,  enthu- 


68  THE    WAR   FOB   THK   UNION. 

siastic  expressions  of  the  boy's  face,  eloquent  with  devotion  and  patri- 
otism ;  for  mistaken  and  wrong,  they  were  not  the  less  actuated  by  the 
most  unselfish  spirit  of  loyally.  They  hardly  knew,  any  of  them,  for 
what  they  had  so  suddenly  came  to  Baltimore.  They  had  a  vague  idea, 
only,  that  INIaryland  had  been  invaded,  and  that  it  was  the  solemn  duty 
of  her  sons  to  protect  their  soil  from  the  encroachments  of  a  hostile 
force. 

In  the  streets  of  the  lower  part  of  the  city,  were  gathered  immense 
crowds  among  whom  discussions  and  the  high  pitch  of  excitement  which 
discussion  engenders,  grew  clamorous.  The  mob — for  Baltimore  street 
was  one  vast  mob — was  surging  to  and  fro,  uncertain  in  what  direction 
to  move,  and  apparently  without  any  special  purpose.  Many  had^raall 
secession  cards  .pinned  on  their  coat  collars,  and  not  a  few  were  armed 
with  guns,  pistols  and  knives,  of  which  they  made  the  most  display. 

Thus  the  day  ended  and  the  night  came  on.  During  the  darkness 
the  whole  city  seemed  lying  in  wait  for  the  foe.  Every  moment  the 
mob  expected  the  descent  of  some  Federal  regiment  upon  them,  and 
the  thirst  for  strife  had  grown  so  fierce  that  terrible  bloodshed  must 
have  followed  if  the  troops  from  Philadelphia  or  Harrisburg  had  at- 
tempted to  pass  through  Baltimore  then. 

On  Sunday,  April  21,  the  city  was  in  a  state  of  unparalleled  excitement. 
Private  citizens  openly  carried  arms  in  the  streets.  Along  the  line  of 
the  railroad  almost  every  house  was  supplied  with  muskets  or  revolvers 
and  missiles,  in  some  instances  even  with  small  cannon.  Volunteers 
were  enlisting  rapidly,  and  the  streets  became  more  and  more  crowded. 
Abundance  of  arms  had  sprung  to  light,  as  if  by  magic,  in  rebellious 
hands.  Troops  were  continually  arriving  and  placing  themselves  in 
readiness  for  action. 

A  great  crowd  was  constantly  surging  around  the  telegraph  office, 
waiting  anxiously  for  news.  The  earnest  inquiry  was  as  to  the  Avhere- 
abouts  of  the  New  York  troops — the  most  frequent  topic,  the  probable 
results  of  an  attempt  on  the  part  of  the  Seventh  regiment  to  force  a  pas- 
sage through  Baltimore.  All  agreed  that  the  force  could  never  go 
through — all  agreed  that  it  would  make  the  attempt  if  ordered  to  do  so, 
and  no  one  seemed  to  entertain  a  doubt  that  it  would  leave  a  winrow 
of  dead  bodies  from  the  ranks  of  those  who  assailed  it  in  the  streets 
through  which  it  might  attempt  to  pass. 

As  the  wires  of  the  telegraph  leading  to  New  York  had  been  cut, 
there  was  no  news  to  be  had  for  the  crowd  from  that  direction. 

The  police  force  were  entirely  in  sympathy  with  the  secessionists,  and 
indisposed  to  act  against  the  mob.  Marshal  Kane  and  the  Commission- 
ers made  no  concealment  of  theii  proclivities  for  the  secession  movement. 

Amid  this  tumult  the  Mavor  of  Baltimore  and  a  committee  of  citizens 


TUKOUGU   BALTIMORE.  69 

started  for  Washington.  Their  object  was  to  influence  the  President 
against  forwarding  troops  through  the  city  in  its  present  agitated  state. 
But  the  knowledge  of  his  departure  did  nothing  toward  allaying  the 
excitement. 

About  eight  o'clock,  the  streets  began  again  to  be  crowded.  The  bar- 
rooms and  public  resorts  were  closed,  that  the  incentive  to  precipitate 
action  might  not  be  too  readily  accessible.  Nevertheless  there  was 
much  excitement,  and  among  the  crowd  were  many  men  from  the 
countxy,  who  carried  shot  and  duck  guns,  and  old-fashioned  horse- 
pistols,  such  as  the  "Maryland  line  "  might  have  carried  from  the  first 
to  the  present  war.  The  best  weapons  appeared  to' be  in  the  hands  of 
young  men — boys  of  eighteen — with  the  physique,  dress  and  style  of 
deportment  cultivated  by  the  "  Dead  Rabbits  "  of  New  York. 

About  ten  o'clock,  a  cry  was  raised  that  3,000  Pennsylvania  troops 
were  at  the  Calvert  street  depot  of  the  Pennsylvania  railroad,  and  were 
about  to  take  up  their  line  of  march  "through  the  city.  It  was  said  that  the 
3,000  were  at  Pikesville,  about  fifteen  miles  from  the  city,  and  were 
going  to  fight  their  way  around  the  city.  The  crowd  were  not  disposed 
to  interfere  Avith  a  movement  that  required  a  preliminary  tramp  of 
fifteen  miles  through  a  heavy  sand.  But  the  city  authorities,  however, 
rapidly  organized  and  armed  some  three  or  four  companies  and  sent 
them  towards  Pikesville.  Ten  of  the  Adams'  Express  wagons  passed 
up  Baltimore  street,  loaded  with  armed  men.  In  one  or  two  there  were 
a  number  of  mattresses,  as  if  wounded  men  were  anticipated.  A  com- 
pany of  cavalry  also  started  for  Pikesville  to  sustain  the  infantry  that 
had  been  expressed.  Almost  before  the  last  of  the  expedition  had  left 
the  city  limits,  word  was  telegraphed  to  Marshal  Kane  by  Mayor  Brown 
from  Washington,  that  the  government  had  ordered  the  Pennsylvania 
troops  back  to  Harrisburgh,  from  the  point  they  had  been  expected 
to  move  on  to  Baltimore.  It  seemed  incredible,  but,  of  course,  satis- 
factory to  the  belligerents. 

The  moment  it  was  known  that  the  government  had  abandoned  the 
intention  of  forcing  troops  through  Baltimore,  this  intense  commotion 
settled  into  comparative  calm,  but  the  city  was  forced  to  feel  the  effect 
of  its  own  folly.     The  regular  passenger  trains  north  had  been  stopped. 

Many  business  men  have  been  utterly  ruined  by  the  extraordinary  po» 
sition  into  which  the  city  was  plunged  through  the  action  of  the  mob. 
Capital  has  been  swept  away,  and  commercial  advantages  sacrificed, 
that  no  time  or  enterprise  can  rejilace.  Those  engaged  in  trade,  have  no 
part  in  these  troubles  except  to  suffer.  The  mob  had  them  in  complete 
subjection,  and  a  stain  has  been  cast  on  the  city  which  no  time  can 
efface.  Yet  the  whole  of  this  attack  was  doubtless  the  work  of  those 
classes  who  form  the  bane  and  dregs  of  society,  in  every  great  city ; 


60  TlIK   WAR   FOR   THE   UNION. 

after  events  have  proved  that  it  was  the  uprisinc^  of  a  lawless  mob,  not 
the  expression  of  a  people.  But  the  Mayor  of  the  city  and  the  Gover- 
nor of  the  State  were  for  a  few  days  in  which  these  revolters  triumphed 
alike  powerless.  In  this  strait  they  notified  the  authorities  in  Washing- 
ton that  troops  could  not  be  passed  through  that  city  without  bloodshed. 

The  difficulties  and  dangers  of  the  19th  of  April  were  speedily  re- 
moved by  President  Lincoln's  determination  to  march  troops  intended 
for  Washington  by  another  route,  backed  by  the  determination  and 
efficiency  of  the  government  and  by  the  supplies  which  were  sent  to 
the  aid  of  loyal  men  of  the  city  and  State,  and  thereby  Maryland  has 
been  saved  from  anarchy,  desolation  and  ruin.  The  work  of  impious 
hands  was  stayed — a  star  preserved  to  our  banner,  and  t,he  right  vindi- 
cated without  unnecessary  loss  of  life!  But  nothing  save  great  caution 
and  forbearance  almost  unparalleled  in  civil  wars,  rescued  Baltimore 
from  destruction. 

When  the  news  of  the  disaster  to  the  brave  Massachusetts  regiment 
reached  the  old  Bay  State,  a  feeUng  of  profound  sorrow  and  deep  indig- 
nation seized  upon  the  people.  Troops  gathered  to  the  rescue  in  bat- 
talions, armed  men  arose  at  every  point,  and  every  railroad  verging 
toward  Washington  became  a  great  military  highway.  Not  only  M.as- 
sachusetts,  but  all  New  England  looked  upon' the  outrage  with  generous 
indignation,  as  if  each  State  had  seen  its  own  sons  stricken  down.  It 
seemed  to  be  a  strife  of  patriotism  which  should  get  its  men  first  to  the 
field.  Directly  after  the  Massachusetts  troops,  the  first  regiment  of 
Rhode  Island  Volunteers  passed  through  New  York,  on  their  way  to 
the  South.  Governor  Sprague,  who  had  magnanimously  contributed 
one  hundred  thousand  dollars  to  the  cause,  accompanied  these  troops,  as 
commander-in-chief  of  the  Rhode  Island  forces.  His  staff"  consisted  of 
Colonels  Frieze,  Goddard,  Arnold,  and  Captain  A.  W.  Chapin,  Assistant 
Adjutant-General.  And  this  was  followed  by  a  continued  rush  of  armed 
men  till  all  the  great  thoroughfares  leading  to  the  capital  bristled  with 
steel,  and  reverberated  with  the  tramp  of  soldiery. 

Governor  Andrews  sent  to  Maryland  requesting  that  the  martyred 
soldiers  should  be  reverently  sent  back  to  Massachusetts,. that  the  State 
might  give  them  honored  burial.  This  request  was  complied  with.  Gov- 
ernor Hicks  responding  in  a  delicate  and  sympathetic  manner,  and  not 
only  Massachusetts  but  a  whole  nation  awarded  them  the  glory  of 
first  dying  for  a  country  that  will  never  forget  them.  The  names  of 
these  men  were,  Sumner  II.  Needham,  of  Lawrence ;  Addison  O.  Whit- 
ney, of  Lowell  City  Guaids ;  and  Luther  C.  Ladd,  Lowell  City  Guards. 


OCCUPATION   OF  ANNAPOLIS.  61 

MttlTAEY  OOOUPATION  OP  AUNAPOLIS,  Md. 

April  21,  1861. 

On  the  1 8th  of  April,  the  Eighfh  Massachusetts  regiment,  nnder  the 
command  of  General  Butler,  left  Boston  for  Washington.  On  arriving  at 
Philadelphia,  he  ascertained  that  all  communication  with  "Washington 
by  the  ordinary  line  of  travel  through  Baltimore  had  been  cut  off,  and 
telegraphic  operations  suspended.  He  proceeded  to  the  Susquehanna 
river,  and  at  Perryville  seized  the  immense  ferry-boa't  "  Maryland,"  be- 
longing to  the  railroad  company,  and  steamed  with  liis  regiment  for 
Annapolis.  Through  the  supposed  treachery  of  the  pilot,  the  boat  was 
grounded  on  the  bar  before  that  place,  and  they  were  detained  over 
night.  The  arrival  of  troops  at  this  point  proved  of  vital  importance. 
A  conspiracy  had  been  formed  by  a  band  of  secessionists  to  seize  the  old 
frigate  Constitution,  which  lay  moored  at  the  wharf  of  the  Naval  Acad- 
emy at  that  place,  being  in  service  as  a  school  for  the  cadets.  Captain 
Devereux,  with  his  company,  was  ordered  to  take  possession  of  the 
noble  old  craft,  which  was  promptly  done,  and  the  vessel  towed  to  a 
safe  distance  from  the  landing.  Governor  Hicks,  of  Maryland,  hearing 
of  their  arrival,  sent  a  protest  against  troops  being  landed  at  that  place. 

On  Monday,  the  22d,  the  troops  landed  at  the  ISTaval  Academy,  fol- 
lowed by  the  New  York  Seventh  regiment,  which  had  just  arrived  on 
board  the  steamer  Boston,  from  Philadelphia,  by  the  help  of  which  vessel 
the  Maryland  was  enabled  to  get  off  the  bar. 

In  order  to  insure  the  ready  transportation  of  troops  and  provisions 
which  were  to  follow  him  by  the  same  route.  General  Butler  seized  sev- 
eral vessels  in  the  neighborhood,  and  promptly  entered  them  into  the 
United  States  service.  Meantime  a  Pennsylvania  regiment  had  arrived 
at  Havre  de  Grace,  and,  anticipating  the  speedy  accession  of  reinforce- 
ments from  New  York  by  water,  three  companies  of  the  Eighth  Massa- 
chusetts were  detached  as  an  engineer  corps  to  repair  the  road  to  the 
Annapolis  and  Elk  Ridge  Railroad,  of  which  General  Butler  had  taken 
military  possession. 

The  Seventy-first  New  York  and  other  regiments  having  arrived 
during  the  night  of  April  23d,  early  on  the  following  morning  the 
Seventh  regiment,  from  New  York,  took  up  its  line  of  march  on  th6 
track  to  Washington  Junction.  A  member  of  this  regiment,  young 
O'Brien  the  poet,  pays  a  merited  tribute  to  the  brave  men  who  preceded 
them : 

On  the  morning  of  the  22d  we  were  in  sight  of  Annapolis,  off  which 
the  Constitution  was  lying,  and  there  found  the  Eighth  regiment  of 
Massachusetts  volunteers  on  board  the  Maryland.     They  were  aground, 


62  THE   -WAR   FOE   THE   UNION. 

owing,  it  is  supposed,  to  the  treachery  of  the  captain,  whom  they  put  in 
irons  and  wanted  to  hang.  I  regret  to  say  that  they  did  not  do  it. 
During  the  greater  portion  of  that  forenoon  we  were  occupied  in  trying 
to  get  the  Maryland  off  the  sand-bar  on  which  she  was  grounded.  From 
our  decks  we  could  see  the  men  in  file  trying  to  rock  her,  so  as  to 
facilitate  our  tugging.  These  men  were  without  water  and  without 
food,  were  well-conducted  and  uncomplaining,  and  behaved  in  all 
respects  like  heroes.  They  were  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Butler, 
and  I  regret  that  that  gentleman  did  not  care  more  for  the  comforts  of 
men  whose  subsequent  pluck  proved  that  nothing  was  too  good  for 
them. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  2 2d  we  landed  at  the  Annapolis  dock,  after 
having  spent  hours  in  trying  to  relieve  the  Maryland.  For  the  first 
time  in  his  life  your  correspondent  was  put  to  work  to  roll  flour-barrels. 
He  was  entrusted  with  the  honorable  and  onerous  duty  of  transporting 
stores  from  the  steamer  to  the  dock.  Later  still  he  descended  to  the 
position  of  mess  servant,  when,  in  company  with  gentlemen  well  known 
in  Broadway  for  immaculate  kids,  he  had  the  honor  of  attending  on  his 
company  with  buckets  of  cooked  meat  and  crackers — the  only  differ- 
ence between  him  and  Co.  and  the  ordinary  waiter  being,  that  the  for- 
mer were  civil. 

We  were  quartered  in  the  buildings  belonging  to  the  Naval  School  at 
Annapolis.  I  had  a  bunking-place  in  what  is  there  called  a  fort,  which 
is  a  rickety  structure  that  a  lucifer  match  would  set  on  fire,  but  furnished 
with  imposing  guns.  I  suppose  it  was  merely  built  to  practice  the 
cadets,  because  as  a  defence  it  is  worthless.  The  same  evening  boats 
were  sent  off  from  the  yard,  and  towards  nightfall  the  Massachusetts  men 
landed,  fagged,  hungry,  thirsty,  but  indomitable. 

The  two  days  that  we  remained  at  Annapolis  were  welcome.  We 
had  been  without  a  fair  night's  sleep  since  we  left  New  York,  and  even 
the  hard  quarters  we  had  there  were  a  luxury  compared  to  the  dirty 
decks  of  the  Boston.  Besides,  there  were  natural  attractions.  The 
grounds  are  very  prettily  laid  out,  and  in  the  course  of  my  experience  I 
never  saw  a  handsomer  or  better  bred  set  of  young  men  than  the  cadets. 
Twenty  had  left  the  school  owing  to  political  con\'ictions.  The  remain- 
der are  sound  Union  fellows,  eager  to  prove  their  devotion  to  the  flag- 
After  spending  a  delightful  time  in  the  Navy  School,  resting  and  amus- 
ing ourselves,  our  repose  was  disturbed  at  9  p.  m.,  April  23,  by  rockets 
being  thrown  up  in  the  bay.  The  men  were  scattered  all  over  the 
grounds ;  some  in  bed,  others  walking  or  smoking,  all  more  or  less 
undressed.  The  rockets  being  of  a  suspicious  character,  it  was  conjec- 
tured that  a  Southern  fleet  was  outside,  and  our  drummer  beat  the  roll- 
call  to  arms.     From  the  stroke  of  the  drum  until  the  time  that  every 


MARCH   TO    ANNAPOLIS   JUNCTION.  68 

man,  fully  equipped  and  in  fighting  order,  was  in  the  ranks,  was  exactly, 
by  watch,  seven  minutes.  The  alarm,  however,  proved  to  be  false,  the  ves- 
sels in  the  offing  proving  to  be  laden  with  the  Seventy-first  and  other  New 
York  regiments  ;  so  that,  after  an  unpremeditated  trial  of  our  readiness 
for  action,  we  were  permitted  to  retire  to  our  couches,  which  means, 
permit  me  to  say,  a  blanket  on  the  floor,  with  a  military  overcoat  over 
you,  and  a  nasal  concert  all  around  you,  that,  in  noise  and  number,  out- 
vies Musard's  concerts  monstres. 

On  the  morning  of  the  24th  of  April  we  started  on  what  afterwards 
proved  to  be  one  of  the  hardest  marches  on  record.  The  secessionists 
of  Annapolis  and  the  surrounding  districts  had  threatened  to  cut  us  off 
in  our  march,  and  even  went  so  far  as  to  say  that  they  would  attack  our 
quarters.  The  dawn  saw  us  up.  Knapsacks,  with  our  blankets  and 
overcoats  strapped  on  them,  were  piled  on  the  green.  A  brief  and 
insufficient  breakfast  was  taken,  our  canteens  filled  with  vinegar  and 
water,  cartridges  distributed  to  each  man,  and  after  mustering  and 
loading,  Ave  started  on  our  first  march  through  a  hostile  country. 

General  Scott  has  stated,  as  I  have  been  informed,  that  the  march 
that  we  performed  from  Annapolis  to  the  Junction  is  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  on  record.  I  know  that  I  felt  it  the  most  fatiguing,  and 
some  of  our  officers  have  told  me  that  it  was  the  most  perilous.  We 
marched  the  first  eight  miles  under  a  burning  sun,  in  heavy  marching 
order,  in  less  than  three  hours ;  and  it  is  well  known  that,  placing  all 
elementary  considerations  out  of  the  way,  marching  on  a  railroad  track 
is  the  most  harassing.  We  started  at  about  8  o'clock,  a.  m.,  and  for  the 
first  time  saw  the  town  of  Annapolis,  which,  without  any  disrespect  to 
that  place,  I  may  say  looked  very  much  as  if  some  celestial  schoolboy, 
with  a  box  of  toys  under  his  arm,  had  dropped  a  few  houses  and  men 
as  he  was  going  home  from  school,  and  that  the  accidental  settlement 
was  called  Annapolis.  Through  the  town  we  marched,  the  people 
unsympathizing,  but  afraid.  They  saw  the  Seventh  for  the  first  time, 
and  for  the  first  time  they  realized  the  men  that  they  had  threatened. 

The  tracks  had  been  torn  up  between  Annapolis  and  the  Junction, 
and  here  it  was  that  the  wonderful  qualities  of  the  Massachusetts  Eighth 
regiment  came  out.  The  locomotives  had  been  taken  to  pieces  by  the 
inhabitants,  in  onier  to  prevent  our  travel.  In  steps  a  Massachusetts 
volunteer,  looks  at  the  piece-meal  engine,  takes  up  a  flange,  and  says 
coolly,  *'  I  made  this  engine,  and  I  can  put  it  together  again."  Engineers 
were  wanted  when  the  engine  was  ready.  Nineteen  stepped  out  of  the 
ranks.  The  rails  were  torn  up.  Practical  railroad  makers  out  of  the 
regiment  laid  them  again,  and  all  this,  mind  you,  without  care  or  food. 
These  brave  boys,  I  say,  were  starving  while  they  were  doing  this  good 
work.     As  we  marched  along  the  track  that  they  had  laid,  t  hey  greeted 


64  THE   WAE    FOR  TUE   UNION". 

ns  ■with  ranks  of  smiling  but  hungry  faces.  One  boy  told  me,  with  a 
laugh  on  his  young  lips,  that  he  had  not  eaten  anything  for  thirty  hours. 
There  was  not,  thank  God,  a  haversack  in  our  regiment  that  was  not 
emptied  into  the  hands  of  these  ill-treated  heroes,  nor  a  flask  that  was 
not  at  their  disposal. 

Our  march  lay  through  an  arid,  sandy,  tobacco-growing  country. 
The  sun  poured  on  our  heads  like  hot  lava.  The  Sixth  and  Second 
companies  were  sent  on  for  skirmishing  duty,  under  the  command  of 
Captains  Clarke  and  Nevers,  the  latter  commanding  as  senior  officer. 
A  car,  on  which  was  placed  a  howitzer,  loaded  with  grape  and  canister, 
.headed  the  column,  manned  by  the  engineer  and  artillery  corj)S,  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant  Bunting.  ,This  was  the  rallying  point  of  the 
skirmishing  party,  on  which,  in  case  of  difficulty,  they  could  fall  back. 
In  the  centre  of  the  column  came  the  cars,  laden  with  medical  stores, 
and  bearing  our  sick  and  wounded,  while  the  extreme  rear  Avas  brought 
up  with  a  second  howitzer,  loaded  also  with  grape  and  canister.  The 
engineer  corps,  of  course,  had  to  do  the  forwarding  work.  Xew  York 
dandies,  sir — but  they  built  bridges,  laid  rails,  and  headed  the  regiment 
through.  After  marching  about  eight  miles,  during  which  time  several 
men  caved  in  from  exhaustion,  and  one  young  gentleman  was  sunstruck, 
and  sent  back  to  New  York,  we  halted,  and  instantly,  with  the  divine 
instinct  which  characterizes  the  hungry  soldier,  proceeded  to  forage. 
The  worst  of  it  was,  there  was  no  foraging  to  be  done.  The  only  house 
within  reach  was  inhabited  by  a  lethargic  person,  who,  like^niost 
Southern  men,  had  no  idea  of  gaining  money  by  labor.  We  offered 
him  extravagant  prices  to  get  us  fresh  water,  and  it  was  with  the  ut- 
most reluctance  that  we  could  get  him  to  obtain  us  a  few  pailfuls. 
Over  the  mantel-piece  of  his  miserable  shanty  I  saw — a  curious  coin- 
cidence— the  portrait  of  Colonel  Duryea,  of  our  regiment. 

After  a  brief  rest  of  about  an  hour,  we  again  commenced  our  march ; 
a  march  which  lasted  until  the  next  morning — a  march  than  which  in 
history,  nothing  but  those  marches  in  which  defeated  troops  have  fled 
from  the  enemy,  can  equal.  Our  Colonel,  it  seems,  determined  to 
march  by  railroad,  in  preference  to  the  common  road,  inasmuch  as  he 
had  obtained  such  secret  information  as  led  him  to  suppose  that  we 
were  waited  for  on  the  latter  route.  Events  justifjed  his  judgment. 
There  were  cavalry  troops  posted  in  defiles  to  cut  tis  oflT.  They  could 
not  have  done  it,  of  course,  but  they  could  have  harassed  us  severely. 
As  we  went  along  the  railroad  we  threw  out  skirmishing  parties  from 
the  Second  and  Sixth  companies,  to  keep  the  road  clear.  I  know  not 
if  I  can  describe  that  night's  march.  I  have  dim  recollections  of  deep 
cuts  through  which  we  passed,  gloomy  and  treacherous-looking,  with 
the  moon  shining  full  on  our  muskets,  while  the  banks  were  wrapped  in 


MARCH   TO   AKNAPOLIS   JUNCTlOIf.  65 

ehade,  and  each  moment  expecting  to  see  the  flash  and  hear  the  crack 
of  the  rifle  of  the  Southern  guerilla.  The  tree  frogs  and  lizards  made  a 
mournful  music  as  we  passed.  The  soil  on  which  we  travelled  was  soft 
and  heavy.  The  sleepers,  lying  at  intervals  across  the  track,  made  the 
march  terribly  fatiguing.  On  all  sides  dark,  lonely  pine  woods  stretch- 
ed away,  and  high  over  the  hooting  of  owls,  or  the  plaintive  petition  of 
the  whip-poor-will,  rose  the  bass  commands  of  "  Halt !  Forward, 
march !" — and  when  we  came  to  any  ticklish  spot,  the  word  would  run 
from  the  head  of  the  column  along  the  lines,  "  Holes,"  "  Bridge — pass  it 
along,"  &c. 

As  the  night  wore  on,  the  monotony  of  the  march  became  oppres- 
sive. Owing  to  our  having  to  explore  every  inch  of  the  way,  we  did  ' 
not  make  more  than  a  mile  or  a  mile  and  a  half  an  hour.  We  ran 
out  of  stimulants,  and  almost  out  of  water.  Most  of  us  had  not  slept 
for  fbur  nights,  and  as  the  night  advanced  our  march  was  almost  a 
stagger.  This  Avas  not  so  much  fatigue  as  want  of  excitement.  Our 
fellows  were  spoiling  for  a  hght,  and  when  a  dropping  shot  was  heard 
in  the  distance,  it  was  wonderful  to  see  how  the  languid  legs  straight- 
ened, and  the  column  braced  itself  for  action.  If  Ave  had  had  even  the 
smallest  kind  of  a  skirmish,  the  men  would  have  been  able  to  walk  to 
Washington.  As  it  was,  we  went  sleepily  on.  I  myself  fell  asleep, 
walking  in  the  ranks.  Numbers,  I  find,  followed  my  example  ;  but 
never  before  was  there  shown  such  indomitable  pluck  and  perseverance 
as  the  Seventh  shoAved  in  that  march  of  twenty  miles.  The  country 
that  we  passed  through  seemed  to  have  been  entirely  deserted.  The 
inhabitants,  who  were  going  to  kill  us  when  they  thought  we  daren't 
come  through,  now  vamosed  their  respective  ranches,  and  we  saw 
them  not.  Houses  were  empty.  The  population  retired  into  the  in- 
terior, burying  their  money,  and  carrying  their  families  along  with 
them.  They,  it  seems,  were  under  the  impression  that  we  came  to 
ravage  and  pillage,  and  they  fled,  as-  the  Gauls  must  have  fled,  Avhen 
Attila  and  his  Huns  came  down  on  them  from  the  North,  As  we  did 
at  Annapolis,  we  did  in  Maryland  State.  We  left  an  impression  that 
cannot  be  forgotten.  Everything  was  paid  for.  No  discourtesy  was 
oflTered  to  any  inhabitant,  and  the  sobriety  of  the  regiment  should  be  an 
example  to  others.  Nothing  could  have  been  more  effective  or  ener- 
getic than  the  movements  of  the  Engineer  Corps,  to  whom  we  were  * 
indebted  for  the  rebuilding  of  a  bridge  in  an  incredibly  short  space 
of  time. 

The  secret  of  this  forced  march,  as  well  as  our  unexpected  descent  on 
Annapolis,  was  the  result  of  Colonel  Lefferts'  judgment,   which   has 
since  been  sustained  by  events.     Finding  that  the  line  along  the  Poto- 
mac was  closed,  and  the  route  to  Washington,  by  Baltimore,  equally 
5 

■% 


66  TDK   WAR   rOU   TIIK   UNION. 

impracticable,  he  came  to  the  conclu-.ion  that  Annapolis,  commanding, 
as  it  did,  the  route  to  the  Capital,  must  of  necessity  be  made  the  basis 
of  military  operations.  It  was  important  to  the  government  to  have  a 
free  channel  through  which  to  transport  troops,  and  this  post  pre- 
sented the  readiest  means.  The  fact  that  sinc6  then  all  the»Northern 
troops  have  passed  through  the  line  that  we  thus  opened,  is  a  sufficient 
comment  on  the  admirable  judgment  that  decided  on  the  movement. 
It  secured  the  integrity  of  the  regiment,  and  saved  lives,  the  loss  of 
which  would  have  plunged  New  York  into  mourning.  Too  much  im- 
portance cannot  be  attached  to  this  strategy.  To  it  the  Seventh  regi- 
ment is  indebted  for  being  here  at  present,  intact  and  sound. 

On  Thursday,  April  24,  this  regiment  reached  "Washington,  having 
taken  the  cars  at  the  junction.  They  were  followed  directly  by  their 
noble  comrades  of  the  march,  the  Massachusetts  Eighth,  and  imme- 
diately moved  into  quarters. 

While  the  troops  under  Butler  and  Lefferts  were  lying  at  Anna- 
polis, great  anxiety  was'  felt  regarding  them  at  Washington.  The 
lamented  Lander  was  then  at  the  capital,  pleading  for  the  privilege  of 
raising  a  regiment  for  the  defence  of  the  government,  but,  for  some  in- 
explicable  cause.  General  Scott  had  not  yet  accepted  his  services. 
With  Baltimore  in  open  revolt,  and  Annapolis  doubtful  in  its  loyalty, 
this  anxiety  about  the  troops  become  so  urgent,  that  Lander  was  sent 
forward  to  Annapolis,  with  general  directions  to  aid  the  troops  with 
all  his  ability,  and  to  direct  Colonel  Butler  not  to  land  his  men  until  the 
kindly  feeling  of  the  citizens  of  Annapolis  was  ascertained. 

Lander  started  on  the  mission,  as  he  undertook  everything,  with 
heart  and  soul.  lie  rode  from  Washington  to  Annapolis  on  horseback, 
without  stopping  for  darkness,  or  any  other  cause  save  the  necessary 
care  of  his  horse,  and  reached  Annapolis  an  hour  after  the  troops  had 
landed.  Bringing  his  experience,  as  a  frontiersman,  who  had  seen  hard 
service  against  hostile  Indians  on  the  plains,  to  bear  on  the  position. 
Lander  gave  Colonel  Butler  such  aid  and  advice  as  assisted  greatly  in 
bringing  the  soldiers  forward  with  less  danger  and  suffering  than  might 
otherwise  have  arisen  during  their  march  to  the  junction. 


MAEYLAND. 

Tlie  attack  by  an  armed  mob  upon  the  Massachusetts  regiment  had 
called  the  attention  of  the  entire  country  to  the  State  of  Maryland,  and 
her  future  course  was  the  subject  of  deep  feeling.  Indirectly,  Wash- 
ington was,  of  course,  menaced  by  her  movements,  and  it  became  a 
matter  of  vital  importance  that  she  should  be  retained  hi  the  Union  and 


MARYLAND.  69 

restored  to  her  fidelity.  Not  here  alone  were  keen  eyes  watching  her 
future.  England  and  France,  in  their  eager  thirst  for  dominion  and 
their  jealousy  of  America  and  her  liberal  institutions,  scrutinized  every 
action,  with  reference  to  their  own  future  course.  Second  only  to 
Washington,  therefore,  for  the  time,  became  the  "  Monumental  City." 

From  the  19th  of  April,  the  day  when  the  banner  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Sixth  was  baptized  in  blood,  until  the  14th  of  June,  all  was  suspense, 
and  those  who  still  retained  their  fealty  were  reluctant  to  express  their 
loyalty  from  fear  of  personal  violence.  Then  an  election  was  held  for 
members  of  Congress,  and  every  district,  save  one,  returned  decisive 
majorities  for  unconditional  Union  men.  The  majority  of  the  Legisla- 
ture were  unreserved  in  their  expressions  of  disunion,  and  were  se- 
cretly, if  not  openly,  urging  on  the  State  to  revolt.  As  early  as  De- 
cember, 1860,  Governor  Hicks  had  been  solicited  to  call  a  Convention 
for  that  purpose,  and  emissaries  of  the  rebel  government  had  labored 
with  untiring  zeal  to  spread  secession  sentiments  among  the  people. 
The  Governor,  knowing  the  heart  of  the  masses  to  be  true,  refused,  and 
his  decision  came  like  a  thunder-clap  upon  the  Southern  partizans  who 
hoped  to  find  him  a  pliant  tool  in  their  hands. 

The  proclamation  of  the  President,  of  the  15th  April,  was  tortured 
into  a  means  of  exciting  popular  clamor,  and  every  effort  was  made  to 
fan  the  fires  of  secession,  until  they  should  burst  forth  in  fierce  flame. 
Meetings  were  held  for  that  purpose,  and  every  possible  means  re- 
sorted to  for  its  accomplishment.  While  very  many  of  the  wealthy 
and  commercial  classes  of  Maryland,  and  particularly  of  Baltimore, 
were  in  favor  of  disunion,  eminent  and  influential  citizens,  some  of 
whom  were  among  the  most  distinguished  public  men  of  the  State, 
and  whose  names  are  inseparably  connected  with  its  civil  and  political 
history,  were  committed  irrevocably,  to  the  support  of  the  government. 
In  this  cause  the  industrial  classes — the  working-men  and  the  farmers 
— were  true  to  the  principles  they  had  always  professed.  Whatever 
political  parties  they  had  sympathized  with,  it  had  been  ever  on  the 
broad  basis  of  the  Union  and  the  Constitution. 

An  illustration  of  this  was  given  on  the  18th  of  April,  the  day 
previous  to  the  attack  on  the  Massachusetts  regiment.  A  party  of 
secessionists  had  raised  a  rebel  flag  in  the  suburbs  of  Baltimore,  and 
had  a  cannon  with  which  they  saluted  it,  but  a  vast  crowd  of  working- 
men  from  the  neighboring  foundries  assembled,  tore  down  the  flag,  and 
threw  the  cannon  into  the  river.  His  Excellency,  Thomas  II.  Hicks, 
Governor ;  John  P.  Kennedy,  Secretary  of  State  under  President  Fill- 
more ;  Ileverdy  Johnson,  John  R.  Kenley,  ex  -  Governor  Francis 
Thomas,  Hon.  Henry  Winter  Davis,  Edwin  II.  Webster,  Alexander 
Evans,  and  many  others  boldly  stepped  forward,  and  planted  them- 


10 


THE. WAR   FOR  THE   TTNIOIT. 


selves  in  the  foreground,  to  resist  the  tide  of  dishonesty,  passion,  and 
frenzy,  into  -which  the  State  was  plunged  by  the  conspirators.  Five 
thousand  citizens  of  Baltimore  addressed  a  letter  to  Governor  Ilicks, 
on  January  2d,  approving  his  course  in  refusing  to  call  the  Legislature 
together  to  authorize  a  Convention,  and  public  meetings  were  held 
throughout  the  State  for  the  same  purpose.  Notwithstanding  this 
great  demonstration  of  popular  opinion,  the  secessionists  were  re- 
solved upon  making  the  attempt;  and,  though  foiled  in  thpir  measures, 
seized  the  opportunity  afforded  by  the  ])assage  of  Northern  troops 
through  Baltimore,  to  enkindle  the  flames  of  civil  war,  hoping,  in  the 
confusion,  to  urge  their  schemes  to  a  fulfilment. 

The  pressure  upon  the  Governor  after  this  event  became  almost 
insupportable.  All  the  combined  influences  of  political,  social  and  com- 
mercial classes  were  brought  to  bear  upon  him,  and  the  wild  denuncia- 
tions and  contemptuous  and  bitter  invective  and  threats  hurled  inces- 
santly upon  Baltimore  and  Maryland  by  a  large  portion  of  the  northern 
press  were  persistently  used  to  press  the  Executive  to  the  commission 
of  the  fatal  act.  Thus  urged  on  all  sides,  he  was  compelled,  in  deference 
to  the  sudden  and  violent  appeals  of  the  people,  to  request  the  govern- 
ment to  send  no  more  troops  through  Maryland.  The  proclamation  of 
the  President  of  the  15th  of  April,  and  the  call  for  troops,  was  repre- 
sented by  the  secessionists  of  Maryland,  as  in  other  States,  as  an  attempt 
to  "coerce,"  "invade"  and  "subjugate"  the  Southern  States.  They 
used  this  appeal  with  great  effect  on  the  popular  mind,  and  the  passions 
of  the  people  were  so  inflammable,  that  many  whose  convictions  were 
utterly  opposed  to  the  disunion  measures  were  determined  to  resent 
this  attempt  to  "subdue"  them.  On  the  17th  of  April  an  excited  dis- 
union meeting  had  been  held  in  Baltimore,  and  great  efforts  were  made 
to  commit  the  citizens  to  the  secession  movement.  On  the  following 
day  Governor  Ilicks  and  his  Honor  George  Wm.  Brown,  Mayor  of 
Baltimore,  issued  proclamations  calling  upon  all  citizens  to  keep  the 
peace.  The  Governor  assured  the  people  that  no  troops  should  be  sent 
from  Maryland,  except  to  defend  the  national  capital.  The  arrival  of 
Massachusetts  troops  and  the  fatal  occurrences  of  the  19th,  caused  an 
almost  entire  cessation  of  business,  and  all  commerce  was  suddenly 
prostrated. 

The  secessionists  were  determined  to  render  it  impracticable  for  any 
more  troops  to  reach  Washington,  and  for  this  purpose  destroyed  the 
bridges  and  a  considerable  portion  of  the  tracks  of  several  railroads 
both  north  and  south  of  Baltimore. 

The  Pennsylvania  Northern,  Philadelphia,  Annapolis  Junction,  and 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  roads  suffered  extensively ;  and  in  consequence  of 
these  lawless  proceedings,  the  greatest  difficulty  was  apprehended  in  get- 


MARYLAND.  71 

ting  troops  1 1  Washington  in  time  to  protect  the  capital  from  the 
threatened  attack. 

On  the  21st  the  government  announced  that  it  took  possession  of  the 
Philadelphia  and  Baltimore  railway  as  a  military  road.  During  the 
temporary  delay  and  obstruction  to  the  ti'avel,  it  was  almost  impossible 
for  travellers  to  pass  either  way.  Many  were  molested  in  Baltimore ; 
some  were  placed  in  confinement  under  false  charges  by  the  secession- 
ists, and  all  were  compelled  to  pay  exorbitant  prices  and  resort  to  the 
rudest  means  of  conveyance  to  pursue  their  journeys,  when  permitted 
so  to  do.  On  the  22d  the  Mayor  and  Police  Board  of  Baltimore  laid 
an  embargo  on  provisions  and  necessary  supplies,  as  the  interruption  to 
transportation  threatened  a  deficiency  of  food. 

The  Governor,  under  these  extraordinary  circumstances,  called  a 
special  session  of  the  Legislature,  Avhich  assembled  at  Frederick,  on  the 
2Gth  of  the  month,  the  capital,  Annapolis,  being  then  in  possession  of 
General  Butler,  who  threatened  to  arrest  the  whole  body  if  an  ordinance 
'  of  secession  were  passed.  The  secession  members  of  the  Legislature 
then  attempted  to  procure  the  organization  of  a  Board  of  Safety,  which 
should  have  discretionary  power  during  the  crisis,  but  public  meetings 
were  immediately  called,  which  Avereloud  in  their  denunciations  of  this 
covert  transfer  of  the  State  to  its  enemies,  and  it  was  abandoned. 
Resolutions  protesting  against  the  war,  and  recommending  the  President 
to  desist,  and  resort  to  arbitration,  Avere  adopted,  and  a  committee 
appointed  to  visit  the  President  and  induce  him  to  promise  that  no  more 
troops  should  be  passed  through  Maryland.  The  President  replied  that 
the  public  necessity  must  govern  him,  and  that  he  would  consult  the 
wishes  of  the  people  to  the  utmost  extent  that  the  national  welfare 
would  permit.  v 

The  Legislature,  after  the  report  of  the  Committee  had  been  submit- 
ted, on  May  6,  discussed  the  questions  at  issue,  and  on  the  10th  adopt- 
ed a  preamble  and  resolution,  declaring  Maryland  sympathized  "  with 
the  South  in  the  struggle  for  their  rights,  solemnly  protests  against  this 
action,  and  will  take  no  part  in  it,  denouncing  the  military  dccupancy  of 
the  State,  and  transportation  of  troops,  and  imploring  the  President,  in 
the  name  of  God,  to  cease  this  unholy  war." 

The  re-organization  of  the  military  departments  for  the  war  was  pro- 
gressing with  all  possible  dispatch.  The  Department  of  Washington 
was  assigned  to  Colonel  Joseph  K.  F.  Mansfield,  the  Department  of 
Annapolis  to  Major  General  Butler,  and  that  of  Pennsylvania  to  M.ijor 
General  Robert  Patterson. 

On  the  5th  of  May,  General  Butler  took  possession  of  the  junction 
of  the  Baltimore  and  Washington  and  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroads,  at 
the  Relay  House,  nine  miles  south  of  Baltimore.  Four  days  afterwards 


72  THB   WAE  FOE  THK  UiaOW. 

a  body  of  United  States  troops  landed  at  Locust  Point  in  that  city,  and 
were  conveyed  by  the  cars  through  it  without  interruption.  The  Mar- 
shal of  the  city,  John  K.  Kane,  was  known  to  be  deeply  implicated  in 
the  work  of  rebellion,  and  he  was  arrested  and  search  was  made  at  the 
police  headquarters  for  concealed  arms  and  supplies. 

The  people  of  Maryland  held  views  which  her  disloyal  legislators  had 
misrepresented.  On  the  14th  of  May,  a  meeting  was  held  at  East  Bal- 
timore, at  which  strong  Union  resolutions  were  adopted,  pledging 
"  lives,  fortunes,  and  sacred  honor,"  to  its  defenqe,  declaring  the  right 
of  the  government  to  convey  troops  through  the  State,  and  their  own 
right  and  duty  to  aid  them  in  the  work. 

General  Butler  the  same  day  occupied  Federal  Hill,  at  Baltimore,  and 
issued  a  proclamation  which  was  scattered  in  immense  numbers  among 
the  people,  and  contributed  in  a  high  degree  to  the  restoration  of  con- 
fidence and  harmony  among  all  classes.  An  important  step  was  also 
taken  by  Governor  Hicks,  who,  on  the  same  day  issued  a  proclamation 
calling  for  the  Stat&  quota  of  four  regiments  of  volunteers  for  three 
months,  to  sustain  the  government  and  to  protect  the  capital.  General 
Butler  had  seized  various  military  stores  intended  for  the  rebels,  and 
also  took  possession  of  arms  and  powder  belonging  to  loyal  parties,  to 
prevent  their  being  removed  by  enemies  to  the  government. 

Brigadier-General  Butler,  having  been  appointed  Major-General,  and 
placed  in  command  of  the  military  Department  of  Virginia,  North 
Carolina  and  Tennessee,  a  most  important  position,  was  transferred  to 
Fortress  Monroe,  and  was  succeeded  by  General  Cadwallader  on  the 
.  20th.  Fort  McHenry  was  reinforced,  and  put  into  the  most  effective 
condition  for  immediate  service,  and  the  conspirators  of  Baltimore  were 
restrained  from  further  disorders  by  the  apprehension  that  any  attempt 
at  insurrection  would  be  the  signal  for  a  bombardment  of  the  city. 
After  Cadwallader  came  into  command,  several  arrests  of  prominent  per. 
sons  had  been  made.  Among  these  was  Mr.  John  Merrjnnan,  who 
applied  to  Chief  Justice  Taney  for  a  writ  of  haheax  corpus.  This  was 
granted;  and  General  Cadwallader,  in  answer,  said  that  the  prisoner 
had  been  arrested  on  charge  of  various  acts  of  treason — of  holding  a 
command  in  a  company  having  in  possession  arms  belonging  to  the 
United  States,  and  of  avowing  his  purpose  of  armed  hostility  to  the 
Government  of  the  United  Stales.  In  such  cases  General  Cadwallader 
said  he  was  authorized  by  the  President  to  suspend  the  habeas  corpus  act ; 
he  therefore  requested  Judge  Taney  to  suspend  further  action  until  in- 
structions could  be  had  from  the  President. 

Judge  Taney  thereupon  issued  a  writ  of  attachment  against  General 
Cadwallader  for  contempt  of  court.  The  Marshal  proceeded  to  Fort 
McIIenry  to   execute   the  writ,  but  was   refused   admission.     Judge 


DESTRUCTION   OF   GOSPOET  NAVY   YAKD.  73 

Taney  urged  that  the  President  had  no  authority  to  suspend  the  act  of 
habeas  corpus,  or  to  authorize  others  to  do  so.  An  elaborate  opinion  to 
that  effect  was  prepared  by  the  Judge  and  has  since  been  published. 

A  sufficient  number  of  troops  were  also  at  this  time  stationied  in 
Baltimore,  and  the  loyal  citizens  were  assured  that  they  would  be 
protected  in  all  their  rights  and  privileges,  at  every  hazard.  Thus  for- 
tified, protected  and  encouraged,  the  loyalty  of  the  people  was  fully 
displayed,  while  the  disloyal  Avere  held  in  check.  Maryland,  glorious  in 
her  past  history,  and  her  devotion  to  the  Constitution,  was  saved  from 
destruction,  and  her  loyal  citizens  will  in  generations  to  come  re- 
ceive the  plaudits  of  millions  whose  gratitude  will  be  deep  enough  to 
overwhelm  her  few  days  of  revolt. 


DE3TEU0TI0N  OF  THE  GOSPOET  NAVY  YAED. 

Apbil  21,  1861. 

The  splendid  naval  and  military  establishment  at  Gosport,  Virginia, 
belonging  to  the  Federal  Government,  was,  at  the  time  Virginia  seceded, 
in  the  possession  of  the  United  States.  It  was  supplied  with  immense 
quantities  of  military  and  naval  stores ;  and  several  old  vessels  which  had 
been  withdrawn  from  service,  and  others  of  great  value,  were  either 
waiting  orders  to  sail  or  undergoing  repairs.  The  entire  establishment, 
whether  on  land  or  water,  was  indispensable  to  the  conspirators,  for  the 
possession  of  the  Navy  Yard  would  give  them  immediate  control  of 
ordnance  stores  and  property  worth  $30,000,000. 

The  seizure  of  this  vast  establishment  having  been  determined  upon, 
five  or  six  vessels  had  been  sunk  by  the  rebels  in  the  channel  of  the 
EUzabeth  river,  below  the  Navy  Yard,  thus  effectually  preventing  the 
passage  of  larger  vessels. 

General  Taliaferro  was  placed  in  command  of  the  insurgent  forces  then 
rapidly  concentrating  at  Norfolk.  Commodore  McCauley,  who  com- 
manded at  the  Navy  Yard,  had  been  reluctant  to  adopt  any  measures 
which  would  bring  him  into  hostility  with  the  State  troops,  and  thus 
inaugurate  the  war.  The  rebels  took  advantage  of  this  leniency,  but 
for  once  they  were  disappointed  in  their  expectations  of  success.  The 
Commodore  determined  to  destroy  the  immediate  agencies  of  the  wary 
leaving  the  armories,  ship  wood,  docks  and  dwellings  unharmed,  hop- 
ing that,  although  they  might  for  a  time  be  occupied  by  the  insurgents, 
the  stars  and  stripes  would  eventually  float  over  them  in  triumph. 

At  8^  o'clock  on  Saturday  evening,  the  20^h  April, .the  Pawnee,  con- 
taining 600  Massachusetts  troops  from  Fortress  Monroe,  arrived  at 
Gosport  harbor,  the  Commodore's  flag  at  its  mast-head  the  white  sails, 


^4  THB  WAR  FOE  THE  UNIOK. 

relieved  by  the  <Jark  blue  sky,  appearing  more  like  the  floating  wingB 
of  the  dove  of  peace  than  heralds  of  destruction.  The  scene  that  fol- 
lowed is  thus  graphically  described  by  an  eye-witness. 

Iler  coming  was  not  unexpected,  and  as  she  glided  to  her  place  at  the 
dock,  the  men  on  the  Pennsylvania  and  the  Cumberland,  several  hun-' 
dred  in  number,  greeted  her  with  a  volley  of  cheers  that  echoed  and 
re-echoed  till  all  Norfolk  and  Portsmouth  must  hava  heard  the  hail. 
The  men  of  the  Pennsylvania  fairly  outdid  themselves  in  their  enthusi- 
asm on  this  occasion.  They  clambered  into  the  shrouds,  and  not  only 
answered  to  the  "  thre* .  cheers,"  but  volunteered  "  three  times  three," 
and  gave  them  with  a  hurricane  of  heartiness.  This  intense  feeling  on 
their  part  is  easily  explained.  They  had  been  a  long  time  almost  im- 
prisoned on  shipboard,  on  a  ship  imbedded  in  the  river,  motionless  and 
helpless,  and  subject  to  promises  from  the  secessionists  of  speedy  demo- 
lition. In  the  advent  of  the  Pawnee  they  saw  deliverance  from  such 
durance,  and  they  exulted  with  tremendous  emphasis. 

All  Portsmouth  and  Norfolk  were  thoroughly  aroused  by  the  arrival, 
of  the  Pawnee.  They  did  not  expect  her,  and  were  not  prepared  for 
her.  They  were  seized  with  trepidation,  thinking,  perhaps,  she  had 
come,  and  along  with  the  Cumberland  and  Pennsylvania,  meant  to 
bombard  the  towns  for  having  obstructed  the  channel,  and  for  having, 
the  night  before,  rifled  the  United  States  magazine,  just  below  Norfolk, 
of  about  4,000  kegs  of  powder.  Being  utterly  defenceless  and  quite 
terrified,  the  secessionists  made  no  protest  against  the  Pawnee's  pres- 
ence, nor  did  they  venture  too  near  the  Navy  Yard. 

The  Pawnee  made  fast  to  the  dock,  and  Colonel  Wardrop  marched 
out  his  regiment  and  stationed  them  at  the  several  gates  of  the  Navy 
Yard  to  oppose  the  entrance  of  any  forces  from  without,  in  case  an 
attempt  to  enter  should  be  made.  Having  adopted  this  precaution,  the 
Commodore  set  the  marines  on  the  Pennsylvania,  the  Cumberland,  the 
Pawnee,  and  in  the  yard,  to  work.  All  the  books  and  papers,  the 
archives  of  the  establishment,  were  transferred  to  the  Pawnee. 

Everything  of  interest  to  the  Government  on  the  Pennsylvania  was 
promptly  transferred  to  the  Cumberland.  On  this  latter  vessel,  it  was 
also  said,  a  large  amount  of  gold  from  the  Custom  Ilou.se  at  Norfolk 
had  been  in  good  time  placed.  Having  made  safe  everything  that  was 
to  be  brought  away,  the  marines  were  next  set  to  work  to  destroy  every- 
thing on  the  Pennsylvania,  and  the  other  ships,  and  in  the  yard,  that 
might  be  of  immediate  use  in  waging  war  upon  the  government.  Many 
thousand  stands  of  arms  were  destroyed.  Carbines  had  their  stocks 
broken  from  the  barrels  by  a  blow,  and  were  thrown  overboard.  A  largo 
lot  of  revolvers  shared  the  like  fate.  Shot  and  shell  by  thousands 
went  with  hurried  plunge  to  the  bottom.     Most  of  the  cannon  had  been 


DKSTBUCnON   OP   GOSPOKT   NAVY   TABU.  7i 

spiked  the  day  and  night  before.     There  were  at  least  1,500  pieces  in 
the  yard — some  elegant  Dahlgren  guns,  and  Columbiads  of  all  sizes. 

It  is  impossible  to  describe  the  scene  of  destruction  tliat  was  ex- 
hibited. Unweariedly  it  Avas  continued  from  9  o'clock  until  about  12, 
during  which  time  the  moon  gave  light  to  direct  the  operations.  But 
when  the  moon  sank  behind  the  western  horizon,  the  barracks  near  the 
centre  of  the  yard  were  set  on  fire,  that  by  its  illumination  the  work 
might  be  continued.  The  crackling  flames  and  the  glare  of  light  in- 
spired with  new  energies  the  destroyingvmarines,  and  havoc  was  carried 
evervAvhere  within  the  limits  of  orders.  But  time  was  not  left  to  com- 
plete the  work.  Four  o'clock  of  Sunday  morning  came,  and  the  Pawnee 
was  passing  down  from  Gosport  harbor  with  the  Cumberland,  the  cov- 
eted prize  of  the  secessionists,  in  tow — every  soul  from  the  other  ships 
and  the  yard  being  aboard  of  them,  save  two.  Just  as  they  left  their 
moorings,  a  rocket  was  sent  up  from  the  deck  of  the  Pawnee.  It  sped 
high  in  air,  paused  a  second,  and  burst  in  shivers  of  many-colored 
light.  As  it  did  so,  the  well-set  trains  at  the  ship-houses,-  and  on  the 
decks  of  the  fated  vessels  left  behind,  went  off  as  if  lit  simultaneously 
by  the  rocket:  One  of  the  ship-houses  contained  the  old  New  York,  a 
ship  thirty  years  on  the  stocks,  and  yet  imfinished.  ,The  other  was 
vacant ;  but  both  houses  and  the  old  New  York  burnt  like  tinder.  Tife 
older  and  unserviceable  vessels,  the  Pennsylvania,  the  Raritan,  the 
Qalumbia^  the  Dolphin,  were  fired  without  compunction;  while  the 
Merrimac,  Plymouth  and  Germantown  were  sunk,  and  the  immense 
lifting  shears  used  for  raising  vessels  was  broken  down  and  rendere<i 
useless.  The  old  Delaware  and  Columbus,  worn  out  and  dismantled 
seventy-fours,  were  scuttled  and  sunk  at  the  upper  docks  on  Friday. 

The  grand  conflagration  now  burst  in  judgment  on  the  startled  citizens 
of  Norfolk,  Portsmouth,  and  all  tlje  surrounding  country.  The  flames 
leaped  from  pitchy  deck  to  smoking  shrouds,  and  writhed  to  their  very 
tops  around  the  masts  that  stood  like  martyrs  doomed.  It  was  not 
thirty  minutes  from  the  time  the  trains  were  fired  till  the  conflagration 
roared  like  a  hurricane,  and  the  flames  from  land  and  water  swayed, 
and  met,  and  mingled  together,  and  darted  high,  and  fell,  and  leaped 
up  again,  and  by  their  very  motion  showed  their  sympathy  with  the 
crackling,  crashing  roar  of  destruction  beneath.  But  in  all  this  raagni" 
ficent  scene,  the  old  ship  Pennsylvania  was  the  centre-piece.  She  was  a 
very  giant  in  death,  as  she  had  been  in  life.  She  was  a  sea  of  flame,  and 
when  her  bowels  were  consuming,  then  did  she  spout  from  every  port- 
hole of  ev6ry  deck  torrents  and  cataracts  of  fire  that,  to  the  mind  of 
Milton,  would  have  represented  her  a  frigate  of  hell  pouring  out  unre- 
mitting broadsides  of  infernal  fire.  Several  of  her  guns  were  left  loaded, 
but  not  shotted,  and  as  the  fire  itached  them,  they  sen.'  -lut  on  ihe 


V6  THE   WAB   FOB  THE   UNION. 

Startled  morning  air  minute  guns  of  fearful  peal,  that  added  greatly 
to  the  alarm  that  the  light  of  the  conflagration  had  spread  through  tho 
surrounding  coimtry.  The  Pennsylvania  burnt  like  a  volcano  for  live 
hours  and  a  half  before  her  mainmast  fell.  At  precisely  9^  o'clock  the 
tall  tree  that  stood  in  her  centre  tottered  and  fell,  and  crushed  deep  into 
her  burning  sides,  whilst  a  storm  of  sparks  filled  the  sky. 

As  soon  as  the  Pawnee  and  Cumberland  had  fairly  left  the  waters, 
and  were  known  to  be  gone,  the  gathering  crowds  of  Portsmouth  and 
Norfolk  burst  open  the  gates  of  the  Navy  Yard  and  rushed  in.  They 
could  do  nothing,  however,  but  gaze  upon  the  ruin  wrought.  The  Com- 
modore's residence,  left  locked  but  unharmed,  was  burst  open,  and  a 
pillage  commenced,  which  was  summarily  stopped.  As  early  as  six 
o'clock  a  volunteer  company  had  taken  possession  in  the  name  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  run  up  her  flag  from  the  flag-staff".  In  another  hour  several 
companies  were  on  hand,  and  men  wore  at  work  unspiking  cannon,  and 
by  nine  o'clock  they  were  moving  them  to  the  dock,  whence  they  Avere 
begun  to  be  transferred,  on  keels,  to  points  below,  where  sand  batteries 
were  to  be  built. 

Notwithstanding  the  splendor  of  the  scene,  and  the  great  destruction 
of  property,  the  result  was  incomplete,  and  a  large  amount  of  artillery 
and  munitions  of  war  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Virginians. 


THE  STATE  OP  THE  NATION  BETOEE  ITS  TEOOPS  EIITEEED  VIEGnilA. 

President  Lincoln,  on  the  15th  of  April,  issued  a  proclamation  stating 
that  the  laws  of  the  United  States  had  been  and  are  opposed  in  several 
States,  by  combinations  too  powerful  to  be  suppressed  by  the  ordhiary 
course  of  judicial  proceedings ;  he  therefore  called  for  75,000  troops 
from  the  several  States.  The  first  service  assigned  to  this  force  would 
probably  be  to  repossess  the  forts  and  other  places  and  property  which 
had  been  s^zed  from  the  Union.  An  extra  session  of  Congress  was 
also  to  meet  on  the  4th  of  July. 

When  President  Lincoln  issued  his  proclamation  on  the  15th  of  April, 
dispatches  were  sent  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  addressed  to  the  Gov- 
ernors of  the  several  States,  designating  the  quotas  assigned  to  each 
Slate,  under  this  proclamation.  The  Executives  of  the  slaveholding 
States,  with  the  exception  of  Maryland  and  Delaware,  peremptorily  re- 
fused to  comply  with  this  requisition.  Governor  Ellis,  of  North  Caro- 
lina, replied,  "  I  regard  the  levy  of  troops  made  by  the  Administration 
for  the  purpose  of  subjugating  the  States  of  the  South  as  in  violation 
of  the  Constitution,  and  a  usurpation  of  power.     I  can  be  no  party  to 


STATB  DF  THB  NATION  BEFORE  ITS  TROOPS  ENTERED  VIRGINIA.        77 

this  wicked  violation  of  the  laws  of  the  country,  and  to  this  war  upon 
the  rights  of  a  free  people.  You  can  get  no  troops  from  North  Carolina." 
Governor  Jackson,  of  \Missouri,  answered,  "  There  can  be,  I  apprehend, 
no  doubt  but  these  men  are  intended  to  form  part  of  the  President's 
army  to  make  war  upon  the  people  of  the  seceding  States.  Your  requi- 
sition, in  my  judgment,  is  illegal,  unconstitutional  and  revolutionary  in 
its  objects,  altogether  inhuman  and  diabolical,  and  cannot  be  complied 
with.  Not  one  man  will  Missouri  furnish  to  carry  on  such  an  unholy 
crusade."  Governor  Magoffin,  of  Kentucky,  replied,  "  In  answer,  I  say 
emphatically,  that  Kentucky  will  furnish  no  troops  for  the  wicked  pur- 
pose of  subduing  her  sister  Southern  States."  Governor  Letcher,  of 
Virginia,  answered,  "  I  have  only  to  say  that  the  militia  of  Virginia 
will  not  be  furnished  to  the  powers  at  Washington  for  any  such  use  or 
purpose  as  they  have  in  view.  Your  object  is  to  subjugate  the  Southern 
States,  and  a  requisition  made  upon  me  for  such  an  object — an  object,  in 
my  judgment,  not  within  the  purview  of  the  Constitution;  or  the  Act 
of  1795 — 'vvill  not  be  complied  witn.  feu  have  chosen  to  mauguratp 
civil  war,  and  having  done  so,  we  will  meet  it  in  a  spirit  as  determined 
as  the  Administration  has  exhibited  toward  the  South."  Governor 
Harris,  of  Tennessee,  refused,  in  terms  equally  explicit,  to  comply  with 
the  requisition  of  the  Government.  In  his  Message  to  the  Legislature, 
dated  April  25,  he  takes  strong  ground  against  the  action  of  the  Ad- 
ministration, which  he  says  is  designed  for  the  subjugation  of  the 
Southern  States.  lie  recommended  the  immediate  passage  of  an  Act 
of  Secession,  and  an  Act  for  the  union  of  Tennessee  with  the  Southern 
Confederacy,  both  to  be  submitted  separately  to  the  people  at  an  early 
day.  He  also  recommended  an  appropriation  for  arming  the  State,  and 
the  creation  of  a  large  military  fund,  to  be  placed  imder  the  direction 
of  a  special  board. 

The  position  of  Virginia  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  a  thorough 
understanding  of  the  difficulties  in  which  the  country  was  placed.  At 
the  breaking  out  of  hostilities,  the  State  Convention  was  in  session.  A 
resolution  was  passed,  expressing  an  earnest  desire  for  the  re-estab- 
'ishment  of  the  Union  in  its  former  integrity:  an  amendment,  de- 
claring that  Virginia  ought  not  to  accept  a  form  of  adjustment  which 
A^ould  not  be  acceptable  to  the  seceding  States,  was  rejected.  Com- 
missioners were  appointed  to  wait  on  the  President,  and  ascertain  the 
policy  which  he  intended  to  pursue.  An  amendment,  denying  the 
right  of  the  Federal  Government  to  deal  with  the  question  of  secession, 
was  rejected.  A  resolution  was  adopted,  expressing  a  willingness  that 
the  independence  of  the  seceding  States  should  be  acknowledged.  An 
amendment,  declaring  that  Virginia  would  secede  in  case  the  proposed 
amendments  to  the  Constitution  were  rejected  by  the  non-slaveholding 


78  THB   WAK   FOE   THX   UNION. 

States,  was  lost.  And  resolutions  were  adopted,  opposing  any  action  on 
the  part  of  the  Federal  Government  for  retaining  or  retaking  forts  in 
the  seceding  States,  and  afTnming,  that  any  measures  of  the  Govern- 
ment, tending  to  produce  hostilities  Avith  the  Confederate  States,  would 
leave  Virginia  free  to  determine  her  own  future  policy.  When  the 
proclamation  of  the  President,  calling  for  troops,  was  issued,  the  Con- 
vention went  into  secret  session,  on  the  17th  of  April,  passed  an 
ordinance  to  repeal  the  ratification  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United 

'States,  by  the  State  of  Virginia,  and  to  resume  all  the  rights  and 
powers  granted  under  such  Constitution. 

When  the  proclamation  was  received  at  Montgomery,  President 
J^avis  issued  a  proclamation,  dated  on  the  iVth  of  Apri},  inviting  all 
persons  to  apply  for  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal,  to  be  issued  under 
the  seal  of  the  Confederate  States.  President  Lincoln  thereupon,  on 
tho  19th,  issued  a  proclamation,  announcing  the  blockade  of  all  the 
ports  of  the  seceding  States,  and  that  a  competent  force  would  be 
stationed  to  prevent  the  entrance  and  exit  of  vessels  at  these  ports. 
On  the  27th,  the  Prefsident  issued  a  proclamation  extending  the  block- 
ade to  the  ports  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia.  It  was  aimounced 
that  the  blockade  would  be  maintained  by  at  least  fifty  vessels  of  war, 
accompanied  by  a  fleet  of  steam  transports,  capable  of  conveying  an 
army  of  20,000  men.     On  the  3d  of  May  the  President  issued  another 

.  proclamation,  calling  into  service  42,000  volunteers  to  serve  for  a 
period  of  three  years,  unless  sooner  discharged ;  ordering  that  the 
regular  army  should  be  increased  by  22,714  men  ;  and  directing  the  en- 
listment, for  the  naval  force  of  the  United  States,  of  18,000  seamen,  for 
a  period  of  not  less  than  one  or  more  than  three  years. 

The  Congress  of  the  Confederate  States  met  at  ^Montgomery  on  the 
29th  of  April.  The  message  of  President  Davis  announced  that  the 
permanent  Constitution  had  been  ratified  by  a  suflicient  number  of 
States  to  render  it  va'lid,  and  that  it  only  remained  to  elect  ofllicers 
unHer  its  provisions.  The  message  of  President  Lincoln,  calling  for 
volunteers,  was  characterized  as  a  declaration  of  war,  Avhich  will  rende. 
it  necessary  to  adopt  measures  to  replenish  the  treasury  of  the  Con- 
federation, and  provide  for  the  defence  of  the  country.  Proposals  had 
been  issued,  inviting  subscriptions  for  a  loan  of  five  millions ;  more 
than  eight  millions  was'  subscribed  for,  none  under  par. .  The  whole 
amount  had  been  ordered  to  be  accepted  ;  and  it  was  now  necessary  to 
raise  a  much  larger  sum.  The  Confederate  States  had  in  the  field,  at 
Charleston,  Pensacola,  and  different  forts,  19,000  men,  and  16,000  were 
,»  route  for  Virginia.  It  was  proposed  to  organize  and  hold  in  readi- 
ness an  army  of  100,000  men.  "We  seek  no  conquest,"  says  Mr. 
Davis,  "  no  aggrandizement,  no  concession  from  the  Free  States.    All 


STATE  OP  THE  NATION  BEFORE  ITS  TROOPS  ENTERED  VIRGINIA.         79 

that  Ave  ask  is  to  be  let  alone;  that  none  shall  attempt  o.ir  subjugation 
by  arms.  This  we  will,  and  must,  resist  to  the  direst  extremity.  The 
moment  this  pretension  is  abandoned,  the  sword  will  drop  from  our 
grasp,  and  we  shall  be  ready  to  enter  into  treaties  of  amity  and  com- 
merce mutually  beneficial."  In  the  meanwhile  warlike  and  aggressive 
measures  had  been  pushed  foi  (vard  with  all  possible  activity.  The 
forces  besieging  Fort  Pickens  had  been  augmented,  and  new  batteries 
had  been  constructed  against  it.  Vessels  belonging  to  the  govern- 
ment and  to  individuals  had  been  seized.  Among  these  was  the  steamer 
Star  of  the  West,  which  had  been  dispatched  to  Indianola,  Texas,  to 
bring  away  the  United  States  troops  collected  at  that  port.  Th-^  ves- 
sel was  lying  at  anchor,  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the  troops.  At  mid- 
night, of  the  19th  of  April,  the  steamer  Rusk  approached,  and  the  cajv 
tain  of  the  Star  of  the  West  was  informed  that  she  had  on  board  320 
United  States  troops,  which  were  to  be  embarked. 

Every  assistance  was  given  for  the  reception  of  the  supposed  soldiers, 
who,  however,  proved  to  be  Texan  troops.  As  soon  as  they  were  on 
board  they  took  possession  of  the  steamer,  which  was  taken  to  New 
Orleans,  the  crew  being  detained  as  prisoners  of  war.  Shortly  after, 
450.  of  the  United  States  troops  attempted  to  make  their  escape  from 
Indianola  on  board  of  two  sailing  vessels.  They  were  pursued  by  two 
armed  steamers,  manned  by  the  Texans,  overtakeij,  and  made  prisoners. 

The  loyal  States  had  not  only  been  patriotic  in  sending  troops  to 
the  capital,  but  in  supplying  money  also.  The  Legislature  of  New 
York  appropriated  three  millions  of  dollars  for  arming  and  equipping 
troops  ;  Connecticut  appropriated  two  millions ;  Vermont  one  million  ; 
New  Jersey  two  millions,  and  other  States  in  proportion.  The  Com- 
mon Council  of  the  city  of  New  York  appropriated  one  million.  Be- 
sides the  public  appropriations,  in  every  considerable  town  and  city 
private  subscriptions  were  made  for  the  same  purposes,  and  to  sup- 
port the  families  of  volunteers.  The  aggregate  of  the  sums  thus  fur- 
nished was  estimated  at  twenty-five  millions — all  raised  in  a  few  days. 

Meantime  the  Confederate  government  had  adjourned  on  the  20th  of 
May  to  meet  in  Richmond,  Virginia,  on  the  20th  of  July,  or  some 
other  convenient  place  to  be  selected  by  the  President. 

On  the  6th  of  May  an  act  was  passed  "  recognizing  the  existence  of 
war  between  the  United  States  and  the  Confederate  States,  and  concern- 
ing letters  of  marque,  prizes,  and  prize  goods."  This  act  gave  the 
I'resident  of  the  Confederate  States  authority  to  use  the  whole  land 
and  naval  forces  of  the  Confederacy  to  meet  the  war  thus  commenced, 
and  to  issue  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal  against  the  vessels  and  pro- 
perty of  the  United  States  and  their  citizens,  with  the  exception  of  the 
States  belonging  to  the  Confederation  or  expected  to  join  it. 


80  THE   WAR  FOB  THE   UNION. 

An  act  was  passed  prohibiting  the  export  of  cotton  or, cotton  yam 
from  any  of  the  Confederate  States  except  through  the  sea-ports.  It 
was  proposed  in  Congress  that  the  cotton  planters  should  be  invited  to 
put  their  crops  in  the  hands  of  the  government,  receiving  bonds  for  its 
value,  the  government  to  dispose  of  it  in  Europe  for  cash.  The  Post- 
master-General, on  the  1st  of  June,  took  charge  of  the  transmission  of 
the  mails  in  the  Confederate  States ;  and  the  Postmaster-General  of  the 
United  States  announced  that  on  that  day  postal  communication  would 
close  with  the  seceding  States,  with  the  exception  of  some  counties  in 
W'»stern  Virginia.  All  letters  for  these  States  were  sent  to  the  Dead 
Lettc*  Office  at  Washington. 

Two  more  States — Arkansas  and  North  Carolina — had  formally 
seceded  trom  the  Union,  and  joined  the  Confederate  States.  In  Arkan- 
sas the  State  Convention,  on  the  18th  of  April,  had  passed  an  ordi- 
nance submitting  the  question  of  secession  to  the  people,  at  an  election 
to  be  held  on  the  3d  of  August.  When  the  requisition  of  President 
Lincoln  was  lecei/ed,  Governoi'  Reotor,  on  the  22d  cr  April,  leplitd  to 
the  Secretary  of  War,  "  In  answer  to  your  requisition  for  troops  from 
Arkansas  to  subjugate  the  Southern  States,  I  have  to  say  that  none  will 
be  furnished.  The  demand  is  only  adding  insult  to  injury.  The  people 
of  this  Commonwealth  ar6  freemen  and  not  slaves,  and  will  defend  to 
the  last  extremity  their  honor,  lives  and  property  against  Northern  men- 
dacity and  usurpation."  On  the  same  day  the  Governor  gave  orders 
for  the  seizure  at  Napoleon  of  a  large  quantity  of  military  supplies  be- 
longing to  the  United  States.  On  the  6th  of  May,  the  Convention, 
which  had  re-assembled,  unanimously  passed  an  ordinance  of  secession. 

Tennessee  also  virtually,  though  not  in  form,  joined  the  Southern 
Confederacy.  The  Legislature  passed  a  Declaration  of  Independence, 
which  was  to  be  submitted  to  the  people  on  the  8th  of  June.  ]\rean- 
while  a  military  league  had  been  formed  with  the  Confederate  govern- 
ment, in  virtue  of  which  the  forces  of  Tennessee  were  to  be  employed 
to  aid  the  Confederate  States. 

In  Kentucky  a  determined  effort  was  made  to  preserve  a  strict  neu- 
trality. Governor  Magoffin,  as  before  noted,  refused  peremptorily  to 
comply  with  the  President's  requisition  for  troops.  On  the  20th  of 
May  he  issued  a  proclamation  declaring  that  every  indication  of  pnblic 
sentiment  in  Kentucky  showed  a  fixed  determination  of  the  people  to 
take  neither  side,  but  to  maintain  a  posture  of  self-defence,  forbidding 
the  quartering  upon  her  soil  of  troops  from  either  section,  in  the  hope 
that  the  State  might  yet  become  a  mediator  between  the  parties.  He 
theiT)fore  warned  all  States,  whether  separate  or  united,  and  especially 
the  Confederate  and  the  United  States,  against  any  armed  occupation 
within  the  State  of  Kentucky,  without  the  permission  of  the  Legislature 


STATE  OF  THE  NATION  BEFORE  ITS  TBOOPS  EirTERBD  VIRGINIA.         81 

and  Executive  authorities.  All  citizens  of  Kentucky  were  forbidden  to 
make  any  demonstration  against  either  of  the  sovereignties,  but  were 
directed  to  make  prompt  and  efficient  preparations  for  the  defence  of 
the  State.  Of  similar  purport  were  the  proceedings  of  the  "  Border 
States  Convention,"  held  at  Frankfort.  Virginia,  North  Carolina  and 
Arkansas,  having  joined  the  Southern  Confederacy,  of  course  sent  no 
delegates ;  none  appeared  from  Maryland,  and  only  one  from  Tennessee, 
and  four  from  Missouri.  The  remainder  were  from  Kentucky.  Senator 
Crittenden  was  chosen  President.  Two  addresses,  one  to  the  people  of 
the  United  States,  and  the  other  to  the  people  of  Kentucky,  were 
adopted.  The  essential  point  in  the  first  address  is  the  recommendation 
that  Congress  would  propose  such  Constitutional  amendments  as  should 
secure  the  legal  rights  of  slaveholders ;  and  if  this  should  fail  to  bring 
about  a  pacification,  that  a  Convention  be  called  composed  of  delegates 
from  all  the  States,  to  devise  measures  of  peaceable  adjustment. 

The  address  to  the  people  of  Kentucky  defended  the  action  of  the 
Executive  in  refusing  troops  to  tlxe  Federal  Government,  as  called  for  by 
the  peculiar  circumstances  in  which  the  State  was  placed.  "lu  all 
things,"  says  the  address,  "  she  is  as  loyal  as  ever  to  the  constitutional 
administration  of  the  government.  She  will  follow  the  stars  and  stripes 
to  the  utmost' regions  of  the  earth,  and  defend  it  from  foreign  insult. 
She  refuses  alliance  with  any  who  would  destroy  the  Union.  All  she 
asks  is  permission  to  keep  out  of  this  unnatural  strife.  She  has  announ- 
ced her  intention  to  refrain  from  aggression  upon  others,  and  she  must 
protest  against  her  soil  being  made  the  theatre  of  military  operations 
by  any  belligerent."  The  address  goes  on  to  censure  the  conduct  of 
the  States  who  have  withdrawn  from  the  Union,  affirming  that  there  was 
in  the  Constitution  a  remedy  for  every  wrong,  and  provisions  to  cneck 
every  encroachment  by  the  majority  upon  the  minority.  In  withdraw- 
ing the  States  committed  "  a  great  wrong,  for  which  they  must  answer 
to  posterity.  But  Kentucky  remained  true  to  herself,  contending  with 
all  her  might  for  what  were  considered  to  be  the  rights  of  the  people, 
and  although  one  after  another  of  the  States  that  should  have  been  by 
her  side  ungenerously  deserted  her,  leaving  her  almost  alone  in  the  field, 
yet  she  did  not  surrender  her  rights  under  the  Constitution,  and  nerer 
would  surrender  them.  She  would  appear  again  in  the  Congress  of  the 
United  States,  not  having  conceded  the  lesfct  atom  of  power  to  the  Gor- 
ernment  that  had  not  heretofore  been  granted,  and  retaining  every  power 
she  hadi  reserved.  She  would  insist  upon  her  constitutional  rights  in  the 
Union,  and  not  out  of  it."  The  address  went  on  to  say  that  if  the  war 
should  be  transferred  to  Kentucky,  her  destruction  would  be  the  inevitable 
result ;  "  and  even  the  institution  to  preserve  or  control  which  the  wretch- 
ed^ war  was  undertaken,  would  be  exterminated  in  the  general  ruin." 
6 


82  THE   WAR   FOB   THE    UNION. 

In  Virginia  the  vote  upon  secession  resulted  in  a  large  majority 
in  its  favor.  In  the  north-western  part  of  the  State  the  vote  was  largely 
in  favor  of  the  Union.  A  Convention  of  the  Western  Counties  con- 
vened at  Wheeling  on  the  13th  of  May,  at  which  resolutions  were 
passed  pronouncing  the  ordinance  of  secession  null  and  void.  Tlie  Con- 
vention adjourned  to  meet  on  the  11th  of  June. 

The  position  of  Missouri  was  similar  to  that  of  Kentucky.  The  State 
endeavored  to  avoid  taking  part  in  the  war.  Troops  had  been  organized 
with  hostile  designs  against  the  Government.  These  were  forced  to 
surrender  by  Captain  Lyon,  (afterward  appointed  General).  At  St. 
Louis  an  attack  was  made  by  the  populace,  on  the  10th  of  IMay,  upon 
the  United  States  volunteers ;  they  returned  the  fire,  kiUing  some 
twenty  ;  an  emeute  on  the  next  day  resulted  in  the  loss  of  several  lives. 
General  Harney,  who  had  been  put  in  command  of  this  district,  entered 
into  an  agreement  with  the  State  authorities,  that  was  disapproved  by 
the  Government,  and  he  relieved  from  the  command,  which  was  then 
given  to  General  Lyon. 

The  attitude  assumed  by  the  great  powers  of  Europe  in  relation  to 
the  American  war  was  important.  That  of  England,  iiidicated  by  the 
royal  proclamation  issued  on  the  14th  of  May  a  determination  to  main- 
tain a  strict  neutrality  in  the  contest  between  the  contending  parties. 
The  proclamation  went  on  to  forbid  all  British  subjects  from  taking  ])art 
in  any  way  in  the  contest,  by  enlisting  in  the  army  or  navy  of  either 
party ;  by  fitting  out  or  arming  any  vessel ;  by  breaking  any  lawfully 
established  blockade,  or  carrying  to  either,  troops  or  any  articles  con- 
traband of  war.  This  proclamation,  taken  in  connection  with  the  ex- 
planations of  the  Ministers  and  the  speeches  in  Parlianient,  had  an  un- 
friendly aspect  toward  the  United  States,  recognizing,  as  it  did,  the 
Confederate  States  as  belligerent^  and,  by  implication,  entitled  equally 
to  the  right  of  carrying  prizes  into  the  ports  of  Great  Britain.  In  the 
House  of  Commons,  Lord  John  Russell  said  that  the  character  of  belli- 
gerency was  not  so  much  a  principle  as  a  fact ;  that  a  certain  amount  of 
force  and  consistency  acquired  by  any  mass  of  population  engaged  in 
war  entitled  them  to  be  treated  as  a  belligerent.  A  power  or  a  com- 
munity which  was  at  war  with  another,  and  which  covered  the  sea  with 
its  cruizers,  must  either  be  acknowledged  as  a  belligerent  or  dealt  with 
as  a  pirate.  The  Governmeitt  had  come  to  the  opinion  that  the  South- 
ern Confederacy,  according  to  those  principles  w  hich  were  considered 
just,  must  be  treated  as  belligerent.  In  this  critical  condition  j^as  the 
country  when  the  Government  prepared  to  advance  its  armies  into 
Virginia. 


OOCUi»AT10N   OP   ALEXANDRIA.  8S 

OCCUPATION  OF  AUEXOTDEIA,  Va, 

ASSASSINATION    OP     COLONEL    ELLSWORTH. 

May  24,  1861. 

rhe  defenders  of  the  Union  had  been  gathering  at  Washington  and 
in  its  vicinity  for  more  than  a  month,  in  answer  to  the  call  for  troops, 
that  rang  through  the  land  clear  as  clarion  notes.  The  arduous  labor 
of  providing  for  and  disciplining  the  large  number  of  untrained  re- 
cruits, collected  in  such  haste,  had  been  met  with  energy  and  per- 
severance by  the  officers  of  the  government.  Very  much  had  been  ac- 
complished, notwithstanding  all  the  embarrassments  incident  to  an 
extensive  and  untried  field  of  labor. 

The  heart  of  the  country  was  beating  restively  at  delay,  and  popular 
feeling,  as  it  found  its  voice  through  the  press,  thundered  anathemas, 
and  clamored  for  a  forward  movement.  Nothing  but  prompt  and  de- 
cisive action  would  satisfy  the  people  that  the  government  was  sturdily 
bending  its  whole  energies  to  strangle  the  monster  treason  in  its  youth. 
The  people  had  not  yet  learned  the  first  great  secret  of  success — how 
to  Avait.  They  saw  the  ship  of  state  struggling  fiercely  amid  the 
rocks  of  an  untried  ocean,  and  worshiping  the  flag  at  her  mast-head, 
grew  clamorous  for  its  protection.  Every  newspaper,  and  almost  every 
household,  had  its  own  ideas  of  how  this  was  to  be  accomplished. 
The  government,  unused  to  war,  and  anxious  to  gratify  the  spirit  of 
patriotism  that  had  supported  it  so  nobly,  was  ready  to  answer  the 
rash  clamor ;  and  so  this  long,  loud  cry  of  ignorant  impatience  became 
words  of  fate,  and  ended  in  giving  us  the  defeat  of  Bull  Run. 

The  people,  the  generous  loyal  people,  ever  dissatisfied  with  any- 
thing but  lightning  speed,  in  peace  or  w^ar,  clamored  for  action,  and 
must  be  appeased.  Under  this  pressure,  events  forced  each  other  on, 
culminating  in  action. 

Though  an  act  of  secession  had  been  passed  by  a  State  Convention, 
held  at  Richmond  on  the  1 7th  of  April,  it  was  professedly  to  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  people  of  the  State  of  Virginia  for  their  approval  on  the 
23d  of  May  ;  and  though  it  had  been  determined  by  the  United  States 
Government  to  take  possession  of,  and  fortify  the  Virginia  hills,  in 
front  of  the  capital,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  await  that  event  before 
making  any  military  movement  into  that  State  which  could  be  in- 
terpreted into  an  attempt  to  influence  or  control  the  popular  vote. 
The  conspirators,  however,  without  waiting  for  any  ratification  of 
their  secession  act  by  the  people,  immediately  made  a  conveyance  of 
the  State  to  the  Confederate  government,  and  claimed  its  protection ; 


84  THE   WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 

thus  effectually  leaving  the  "mother  of  States"  to  associate  with  the 
disobedient  daughters. 

In  consequence  of  the  action  of  Governor  Letcher,  Confederate  troops 
from  Georgia,  Mississippi,  and  other  Southern  States,  were  sent  rapidly 
into  Virginia,  and  located  at  various  points,  where  it  was  deemed  that 
they  could  be  of  the  most  use,  and  best  serve  the  interests  of  the  Con- 
federacy. The  result  of  this  movement  could  easily  have  been  foretold. 
The  election  was  held  under  military  regime  and  terrorism,  and  loyal 
men,  having  been  warned  of  the  penalty  of  voting  against  sefcession, 
either  feared  to  do  so,  or  neglected  to  vote  altogether ;  a  majority  was 
secured  for  the  ordinance,  and  Virginia,  "  mother  of  Presidents,"  had 
taken  her  second  grand  step  in  the  downward  path  of  disunion. 

The  people  of  the  city  of  Alexandria  were  generally  infected  with 
disloyalty,  and  rebel  flags  floated  boldly  from  many  of  the  principal 
buildings.  A  detachment  of  Confederate  trooi)S  was  at  all  times 
quartered  within  its  limits,  and  with  the  hope  of  capturing  them  and 
their  supplies,  it  was  determined  to  occupy  the  city  by  a  surprise 
movement*  The  result  of  the  election  clearly  foreshadowed,  arrange- 
ments were  made  for  action — prompt  and  decisive  action — to  follow 
immediately  upon  the  closing  of  the  polls,  where  disunionists  had 
played  a  mere  farce,  arid  disloyal  bayonets  had  fettered  the  freedom 
of  the  ballot-box. 

On  the  night  of  May  23d,  orders  were  given  for  an  advance  to  the 
troops  designed  for  this  expedition,  numbering  in  all  about  13,000,  and 
at  ten  o'clock  an  advance  guard  of  picked  men  moved  cautiously  over 
the  bridge.  Sent  to  reconnoitre,  their  commands  were  imperative  that 
if  assaulted  they  were  to  signalize  for  reinforcements,  which  would  be 
speedily  furnished  by  a  corps  of  infantry  and  a  battery.  At  twelve 
o'clock  the  regiment  of  infantry,  the  artillery  and  the  cavalry  corps  be- 
gan to  muster,  and  as  fast  as  they  were  prepared,  proceeded  to  the  Long 
Bridge,  the  portion  of  the  force  then  in  Washington  being  directed  to 
take  that  route.  The  troops  quartered  at  Georgetown,  comprising  the 
Fifth,  Eighth,  Twenty-eighth  and  Sixty-ninth  New  York,  also  proceeded 
across  the  Chain  Bridge,  under  the  command  of  General  McDowell. 

At  half-past  one  o'clock,  six  companies  of  District  Volunteers,  in- 
cluding the  National  Rifles,  and  Turners,  stepped  from  the  Long 
Bridge  upon  Virginia  soil.  To  capture  the  enemy's  patrols  by  the 
means  of  boats  had  been  the  original  plan,  but  the  bright  moonlight 
prevented  it.  This  vanguard  was  commanded  by  Inspector-General 
Stone,  under  whom  Captain  Smead  led  the  centre,  Adjutant  Abbott 
the  left,  and  Captain  Stewart  the  right  wing.  When  within  half  a  mile 
of  Alexandria,  they  halted  and  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  main  body. 

The  remainder  of  the  army  crossed  in  the  following  order :   The 


OCCUPATION   OF   ALEXANDEIA.  85 

Twelfth  and  Twenty-fifth  New  York,  First  Michigan,  and  First,  Second, 
Third,  and  Fourth  New  Jersey ;  two  regular  cavalry  corps  of  eighty 
men  each,  and  Sherman's  two  batteries ;  next  and  last  came  the  New 
York  Seventh.  General  Mansfield  directed  the  movements  of  the  troops. 
At  a  quarter  to  four  the  last  of  the  forces  left,  and  fifteen  minutes  later 
Major-General  Sanford,  accompanied  by  his  staflT,  proceeded  to  Virginia 
to  assume  the  command. 

The  famous  Sixty-ninth  New  York,  after  crossing  the  river  below 
Georgetown,  took  position  on  the  Orange  and  Manassas  Gap  rail- 
road, and  surrounded  and  captured  the  train  from  Alexandria,  with  a 
large  number  of  passengers,  of  which  a  few,  known  to  be  violent  seces- 
sion partizans,  were  retained  as  prisoners. 

As  the  Michigan  regiment,  accompanied  by  two  guns  of  Sherman's 
renowned  battery,  and  a  company  of  regular  cavalry,  marched  into  the 
town,  a  detachment  of  thirty-five  rebel  horsemen  were  found  pre- 
paring to  mount.  The  battery  came  up  the  street  towards  them  like  a 
whirlwind,  and  they  soon  surrendered. 

The  New  York  Fire  Zouaves,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  E.  E. 
Ellsworth,  were  conveyed  in  steamers,  and  as  the  day  was  dawning  their 
dashing  uniform  and  fearless  faces  flashed  upon  the  citizens  of  Alexan- 
dria. Not  until  they  had  landed  did  the  rebel  sentinels  discover  them, 
and  then,  after  firing  their  muskets  as  a  signal  of  warning,  they  hasten- 
ed to  alarm  the  sleeping  city. 

Little  need  had  those  brave  and  untameable  "  fire  fighters  "  of  direc- 
tions. The  master  spirit  of  all  their  movements  had  imbued  them  with 
feelings  akin  to  his  own.  They  knew  their  duty,  and  men  trained  as  they 
had  been  in  a  severe  school  of  danger,  could  never  be  backward  in  per- 
fornaing  it.  Ellsworth,  who,  as  it  might  seem,  with  the  shadows  of  death 
already  gathering  around  him,  could  sit  calmiv  down  in  the  dim  mid- 
night, after  addressing  his  men  in  a  brief  and  stirring  speech, 
announcing  the  orders  to  march  on  Alexandria,  closing  with  the  well 
remembered  words,  "  Now  boys,  go  to  bed  and  wake  up  at  two  o'clock 
for  a  sail  and  a  skirmish ;"  and  after  arranging  the  business  of  his  regi- 
ment, pen  letters  that  seemed  "  as  if  the  mystical  gales  from  the  near 
eternity  must  have  breathed  for  a  moment  over  his  soul,  freighted  with 
the  odor  of  amaranths  and  asphodels  " — needed  none  to  tell  him  of  his 
duty  or  to  urge  him  to  its  even  rash  fulfilment. 

In  the  early  light  of  morning  he  entered  the  rebel  town.  A  secession 
flag  waved  defiantly  from  the  Marshall  House,  and  with  the  fiery  en- 
thusiasm of  his  nature,  Ellsworth  rushed  to  tear  down  th«  hated  em- 
blem of  enmity  to  the  Union  he  loved  so  well.  With  his  own  hand  he 
tore  the  flag  from  its  fastening,  and  descending  the  stairs  flushed  with 
the  pride  of  success,  came  upon  his  fate.     A  musket  in  the  hands  of 


86 


THB  WAB  FOB  THB  UNION. 


the  proprietor,  J.  W.  Jackson,  pealed  his  deathknell,  and  he  sealed 
the  glories  of  that  too  well  remembered  morning,  with  his  heart's 

blood. 


ASSASSINATION    OF   COLONEL   KLLSWORTB. 


Brownmx,  a  name  now  linked  with  Ellsworth's  in  all  history,  was 
his  prompt  avenger,  and  the  blood  of  patriot  and  assassin  ran  com- 
mingled, a  ghastly  stream.  Both  will  be  long  remembered — will  stand 
shadowed  forth  to  the  future  from  the  past — one  a  brave,  tender,  chiv- 
alric  heart ;  and  the  other,  reckless  in  his  courage,  rindictive  in  his 
passions,  and  terrible  in  his  cruelty. 

And  the  morning  of  that  day,  now  lined  upon  the  page  of  history  with 
letters  of  blood,  that  never  to  be  forgotten  24th  of  May,  re-awoke  the 
enthusiasm  and  stern'  resolve  of  Sumter — caused  the  finest  strings  of  a 
nation's  heart  to  vibrate  with  sorrow,  and  hosts  that  never  before  un- 
sheathed a  sabre,  shouldered  a  gun  or  helmeted  their  brows,  had  never 
marched  beneath  a  banner,  or  given  a  thought  to  the  glories  of  war, 
leaped  forth,  Minerva-like,  fully  armed  for  the  strife.  Swift  vengeance, 
indeed,  followed  the  death  of  Ellsworth,  but  what  was  that  compared 
to  the  iron  hate  of  such  hearts  ? 

Not  here,  truly,  is  the  proper  place  tQ  write  the  life-history  of 
Ephraim  Elmer  Ellsworth,  but  this  much  it  is  fitting — necessary  al- 
most to  recapitulate.  Born  in  the  little  village  of  Mechanicsville,  on  the 
banks  of  the  Hudson,  on  the  23d  of  April,  aj>.  1837,  he,  after  passing 


ELLSWORTH.  87 

thrDUgh  trials  that  would  have  utterly  discouraged  a  less  ambitious  and 
sanguine  man,  rendered  himself  famous  by  the  inauguration,  drill,  and 
marcke  de  triomphe  of  the  Chicago  Zouaves.  All  the  country  remembers 
the  bloodless  march  of  those  young  men — the  "  crimson  phantoms  "  that 
blazed  comet-like  before  their  eyes  and  secured  the  championship,  with- 
out a  struggle.  When  the  war  broke  out,  when  the  knell  of  Sumter's 
fall  ^hook  the  very  comer-stone  of  the  nation,  Ellsworth  sought  a  place 
in  the  army.  Jealousy  and  fear  of  the  youthful  aspirant  impeded  him, 
and  turning  his  back  upon  Washington,  he  hastened  to  New  York, 
organized  the  Fire  Zouaves,  and  rushed  to  his  fate. 

One  who  knew  him  well,  and  has  written  a  glorious  prose-poem  to  his 
memory,  thus  briefly  described  him.  "  His  person  was  strikingly  pre- 
possessing. Ilis  form,  though  slight,  exactly  the  Napoleonic  size,  was 
very  compact  and  commanding :  the  head  statuesquely  poised  and 
crowned  with  a  luxuriance  of  curling  black  hair  ;  a  hazel  eye,  bright 
though  serene,  the  eye  of  a  gentleman  as  well  as  a  soldier ;  a  nose  such 
as  you  see  on  Roman  medals ;  a  light  moustache,  just  shading  the  lips, 
that  were  continually  curving  into  the  sunniest  smiles.  His  voice,  deep 
and  musical,  instantly  attracted  attention,  and  his  address,  though  not 
without  soldierly  brusqueness,  was  sincere  and  courteous." 

And  thus,  in  the  very  prime  of  manhood  and  vigor,  with  one  of  the 
military  insignia  he  sometimes  wore — a  golden  circle,  inscribed  with 
the  legend  "  NoN  nobis,  sed  peg  patria,"  driven  into  his  heart  by  the 
bullet  of  his  assassin,  perished  a  brave  spirit — an  ambitious  follower 
after  the  "  pride,  pomp,  and  circumstance  of  glorious  war" — a  soul  de- 
voted to  his  country  and  his  country's  honor — an  eagle  struck  in  its  high 
soaring,  down — a  spirit  of  fire,  fretting  at  causeless  delay,  bui-ning 
against  useless  restraints,  and  rushing  on  to  snatch  success  even  from 
the  cannon's  mouth.       ' 

A  nation  mourned  him  long — ^has  not  yet  forgotten  him,  and  green  will 
ever  be  the  laurel  she  entwines  around  the  name  of  the  boy-martyr  of 
Alexandria !  "  Remember  Ellsworth  "  became  a  watchword  with  the 
volunteers,  who  pledged  thetnselves  to  avenge  his  death,  and  well  they 
redeemed  it.  His  life  was  stainless  and  loyal — his  death,  sealed  with 
his  blood  the  holy  bond  of  his  noble  faith. 

When  Lincoln  saw  this  young  man  lying  in  his  coffin,  it  is  said  that  he 
wept  over  him.  It  was  the  first  shock  and  horror  of  war  brought  home 
to  the  chief  magistrate.  Alas !  if  he  has  wept  for  all  the  brave  tliat 
have  since  fallen,  his  days  and  oigjits  must  have  been  given  up  to 
tears. 

Alexandria  and  its  neighborhood  were  occupied  by  the  Federal  troops, 
and  acompany  of  Virginia  cavalry  were  captured  ;  after  a  detention  of 
some  days  they  were  released  upon  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the 


88  THE  WAB  FOB  THE  UNION. 

United  States.  Intrenchments  were  thrown  up  around  Alexandria,  and 
upon  Arlington  Heights,  which  commanded  a  portion  of  the  capital. 
Bodies  of  troops  were  pushed  forward  toward  Manassas  Junction, 
with  the  object  of  interrupting  the  communication  between  Richmond 
and  Harper's  Ferry. 

A  detachment  took  possession  of  Arlington,  the  old  Curtis  Mansion, 
which  had  been  deserted  by  its  owner.  General  Lee,  when  he  gave  up 
his  flag  and  took  sides  with  its  enemies. 

It  is  said  that  General  Scott  held  this  officer  in  such  high  appreciation 
that  he  offered  him  the  chance  of  any  position  under  himself  in  the 
Union  army.  When  the  letter  reached  Lee,  containing  this  noble  pro- 
position, he  Avas  sitting  with  his  family  at  Arlington.  He  read  the  letter 
in  silence,  and  laying  it  on  the  table,  covered  his  face  with  one  hand. 
When  he  looked  up  traces  of  tears  were  in  his  eyes,  and  he  said  in  a 
broken  voice,  "  What  am  I  to  do  ?  If  I  take  up  arras  for  the  Union 
it  must  be  to  turn  them  on  my  native  State,  my  own  neighbors,  dear 
relations.    If  I  do  not,  they  will  brand  me  as  a  traitor !" 

Again  he  fell  into  thought.  The  result  was  that  he  abandoned  the 
home  consecrated  by  Washington,  and  turned  upon  the  flag  that  great 
man  had  planted. 

On  the  1st  of  June,  a  company  of  cavalry  set  out  on  a  scouting  ex- 
pedition to  Fairfax  Court  House,  about  twenty  miles  beyond  the  out- 
posts. Some  hundreds  of  Virginia  troops  were  stationed  here,  and 
a  sharp  skirmish  ensued.  Several  of  the  Virginians  were  reported  to 
have  been  killed;  one  of  the  United  States  troops  was  killed,  and  four 
or  five  wounded,  among  whom  was  the  commander.  Lieutenant  Tomp- 
kins. The  cavalry  withdrew,  having  made  five  prisoners,  and  leaving 
two  of  their  own  number  as  captives.  On  the  following  day  the  same 
cavalry  company  made  another  dash  to  Fairfax,  and  rescued  their  com- 
rades who  had  been  left  behind. 


BATTLE  OF  GEEAT  BETHEL. 

Junk  10,  1861, 

The  first  engagement  on  the  field  occurred  at  Great  Bethel,  about  ten 
miles  north  of  Newport  News,  on  the  road  from  Hampton  to  York- 
town,  Virginia,  the  place  having  derived  its  name  from  a  large  church, 
near  which  the  rebels  had  an  entrenched  camp. 

'Under  cover  of  night,  the  forces,  who  were  under  the  command  of 
General  B.  F.  Butler,  had  been  repeatedly  annoyed  by  the  secession 
forces,  whose  rendezvous  was  Little  Bethel,  distant  about  eight  miles 


BATTLE    OF    GREAT   BETHEL.  89 

from  Newport  News,  and  the  same  distance  from  Hampton,  where,  also, 
a  church  was  used  as  the  headquarters  of  their  cavalry,  thus  literally 
putting  "  holy  things  to  an  unholy  use."  The  Union-loving,  or,  at 
least.  Union-respecting  citizens,  were  continually  robbed — slaves  were  im- 
pressed to  work  upon  their  fortifications,  and  all  that  forethought,  could 
suggest  was  recklessly  accomplished. 

Determined  to  put  a  stop  to  these  foraySj^  General  Butler  organ- 
ized an  expedition  for  the  purpose  of  surprising  the  rebels  at  Little 
Bethel,  giving  to  the  officers  commanding  discretionary  powers,  as  no 
positive  inforr^;it;on  could  be  obtained  with  regard  to  their  defences  or 
forces. 

General  Pierce,  of  Massachusetts,  who  had  the  command  at  Hamp- 
ton, was  instructed  to  detach  Colonels  Duryea  and  Townsend's  New 
York  regiments,  and  Colonel  Phelps,  commanding  at  Newport  News, 
was  also  commanded  to  start  an  equal  force,  about  an  hour  later,  to  make 
a  demonstration  in  front.  One  regiment  from  each  command  was  di- 
rected to  repair  to  a  point  about  one  mile  from  Little  Bethel,  and  there 
await  further  orders.  Should  the  design  prove  successful,  they  were, 
when  directed,  to  follow  close  upon  the  enemy,  drive  them  into  their 
entrenchments  at  Big  Bethel  and  attack  them. 

A  naval  brigade — a  new  volunteer  organization,  stationed  at  Hamp- 
ton Roads,  had  been  exercisea  in  the  management  of  scows,  with 
capacity  for  carrying  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  men,  besides  those 
at  the  oars,  and  when  the  night  came  settling  down  in  darkness,  they 
set  out,  with  mnfiied  oars,  passed  the  mouth  of  Hampton  river,  and 
silently  proceeded  up  the  stream.  Moored  at  the  hither  shore  of 
Hampton,  at  midnight  they  awaited  the  time  when  the  blow  was  to  be 
struck. 

Three  companies  of  Duryea's  New  York  Fifth,  under  the  command 
of  Captain  Kilpatrick,  crossed  and  went  forward  on  the  Bethel  road, 
followed  soon  after  by  the  remainder  of  the  regiment,  and  Colonel 
Townsend's  New  itork  Third.  One  hour  later,  five  companies,  each  of 
the  Vermont  First  and  Massachusetts  Fourth,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Washburne ;  six  companies  of  the  New  Yor^  Seventh,  Colonel  Bendix, 
and  a  squad  of  regulars,  with  three  small  field  pieces  under  Lieutenant 
Greble,  moved  forward  from  Newport  News. 

At  about  one  o'clock,  a.  m.,  the  three  companies  under  Captain  Kil- 
patrick reached  New  Market  Bridge — at  about  three  o'clock  they  were 
joined  by  the  main  body  and  started  for  Little  Bethel.  The  pickets  of 
the  enemy  were  surprised,  the  officer  in  command  captured,  and  the 
Union  forces,  flushed  with  success,  were  pushing  forward,  when  the 
sound  of  heavy  firing  in  their  rear  checked  them. 

Meantime,  the  force  from  Newport  News  came  up  the  road  from  that 


90  THB   WAB  FOR   THE   UNION. 

place,  and  took  the  road  from  Hampton  to  Bethel,  not  far  behind  the 
Fifth ;  but  they  left  at  the  junction  of  the  roads,  under  Colonel  Bendix, 
a  rear  guard  of  one  hundred  and  seventy  men  and  one  field-piece,  with 
the  order  to  hold  this  position  at  all  hazards,  where  they  were  to  be 
joined  by  Colonel  Townsend's  regiment  from  Hampton.  Almost  imme- 
diately after,  the  Third  New  York  regiment  came  up  the  Hampton  road. 
It  was  still  dark,  and  their  colors  could  not  be  seen.  Their  approach 
also  was  over  a  ridge,  and  as  General  Pierce  and  staff,  and  Colonel 
Townsend  and  staff,  in  a  body,  rode  in  front  of  their  troops,  and 
without  any  advance  guard  thrown  out,  as  customary,  to  reconnoitre, 
they  appeared  from  Colonel  Bendix's  position  to  be  a  troop  of  cavalry. 
It  was  knowii  that  the  Federal  force  had  no  cavalry,  and  the  fire  of  this 
rear  guard  was  poured  into  the  advancing  body,  at  the  distance  of  a 
quarter  of  a  mile.  But  the  road  in  which  the  Third  was  marching  was 
a  little  below  the  level  of  the  land  along  the  edge,  and  was  bordered  on 
either  side  by  fences,  forming  a  partial  cover,  and  rendering  the  fire 
comparatively  harmless.  Fifteen  men,  however,  were-  wounded  and 
two  killed.  The  Third  then  fell  back  and  formed  upon  a  hill,  and  the 
force  again  moved  in  the  following  order:  Colonel  Duryea  with  the 
New  York  Fifth ;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Washburne  with  the  companies 
from  Newport  News,  and  Greble's  battery ;  Colonel  Toumsend,  with 
the  New  York  Third ;  Colonel  Allen,''with  the  New  York  First ;  and 
Colonel  Carr,  with  the  New  York  Second. 

The  advance  was  made  with  great  rapidity  and  fearlessness,  and  soon 
the  lurid  flames  of  Little  Bethel  shot  upwards  in  the  murky  air,  and 
lighted  up  the  country  far  and  wide.  Great  Bethel  was  reached  next, 
and  our  troops  received  their  first  intimation  of  the  location  of  the 
enemy  that  was  pouring  hissing  shot  upon  them  from  a  masked  battery. 
But  they  were  not  to  be  stayed  by  the  iron  rain.  Steadily,  unflinch- 
ingly, though  death  was  threatening  them  every  instant,  they  marched 
on  and  gained  a  position  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy's 
works.  For  two  hours  the  whirl  and  clash  and  rq^r  of  the  battle  was 
terrific.  Every  soldier  fought  as  if  upon  his  individual  efforts  rested 
the  chances  of  the  day.  Charge  after  charge  of  the  greatest  gallantry 
was  made  by  the  infantry  against  their  invisible  foemen,  and  though 
suffering  terribly  from  the  deadly  fire,  still  pouring  fiercely  upon  them, 
no  one  thought  of  retreat.  At  length,  however,  General  Pierce  deemed 
the  exposure  too  great,  and  the  chances  of  success  too  small  to  warraift 
a  more  persistent  struggle,  and  the  troops  were  Avithdrawn  in  good  order. 

Where  all  fought  so  nobly,  it  would  be  simply  invidious  to  particu- 
larize. But  one  brave  heart  there  was  called  home  from  "amid  the  smoke 
and  tumult  of  battle  that  cannot  be  forgotten.  Theodore  "VVi>throp, 
Major,  and  formerly  of  the  New  York  Seventh,  there  gave  his  life  for 


THE    AMBUSCADE    AT   VIENNA.  91 

his  country — his  blood  as  an  offqjring  of  sacrifice.  A  gentleman  and 
scholiir  as  well  as  a  soldier — rich  in  the  rare  gifts  of  genius,  he  had 
earned  fixme  in  literature  before  he  found  that  glorious  death  upon  the 
battle  field.  He  had  been  one  ot  the  foremost  to  press  forward  in  the 
hour  of  his  country's  need,  aua  breathed  his  last,  nobly  struggling  for  her 
honor,  with  wild  battle  notes  ringing  in  his  ear,  and  the  starry  flag 
\vaving  unconquered  above  him. 

Lieutenant  Greble,  also,  an  officer  of  great  promise — of  coolness, 
energy  and  discretion,  won  for  himself  a  deathless  name  and  a  soldier's 
grave  in  this  battle.  Many  others,  too,  of  whom  fame  will  not  always 
be  silent,  men  of  noble  hearts  and  fearless  courage,  hallowed  the  cause 
with  their  blood,  and  when  the  records  of  a  nation's  jewels  shall  have 
been  perfected,  will  be  found  side  by  side  with  the  hero-author  of  Great 
Bethel. 


THE    AMBUSCADE   AT    VIENNA,  Va. 

June  17,  1861. 

Information  that  an  attempt  would  be  made  to  destroy  the  bridges 
on  the  Loudon  and  Hampshire  railway,  between  Alexandria  and  Vienna, 
having  been  conveyed  to  General  McDowell,  he  dispatched  the  First 
Ohio  regiment.  Colonel  McCook,  under  the  direction  of  Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Schenck,  to  guard  the  road. 

The  train  of  seven  cars,  backed  out  by  a  locomotive,  left  Alexandria 
about  noon,  and  proceeded  .on  its  way,  dropj^ing  detachments  all  along- 
the  road,  and  meeting  with  no  interruptions  until  entering  a  straight 
line  near  Vienna.  Then  a  man  stepped  out  upon  the  road  and  waved 
his  hand,  beckoning  the  train  to  stop,  and  warned  them  "  for  God's  sake 
not  to  go  on,"  as  they  were  dead  men  if  they  proceeded ;  that  there 
was  a  battery  and  strong  force  of  the  enemy  ahead. 

The  officer  in  front  of  the  Federal  troops  paused  a  moment  with 
his  hand  on  his  forehead,  as  if  turning  the  matter  over  in  his  mind,  and 
then  beckoned  to  the  engineer  to  go  on.  • 

They  proceeded  a  short  distance,  when  a  battery  on  the  high  ground, 
to  the  right  of  the  road  leading  to  Vienna,  opened  fire  upon  the  train, 
and  poured  well-aimed  and  rapid  discharges  into  the  compact  body  of 
Federal  soldiery.  Some  four  hundred  passengers,  troops  and  laborers, 
were  on  the  train,  and  many  of  them  were  necessarily  on  the  platforms 
and  the  tender.  The  fire  of  the  enemy,  which  seemed  to  be  more 
especially  directed  in  the  start  to  disabling  the  engine,  was  particu- 
larly destructive  amongst  the  men  huddled  upon  the  tender. 

A  number  were  killed  and  wounded  here  upon  the  first  discharge. 


92  THB   WAB   FOR  THE   UNION. 

A  destructive  fire  was  also  poured  upon  the  troops  as  they  leaped 
from  the  cars.  The  engine  was  struck  by  a  six-pound  shot  upon  a 
wheel-box,  and  next  upon  the  cylinder  of  the  engine,  which  it  fractured. 
The  engineer,  finding  that  his  engine  was  in  danger,  detached  it  (with  • 
one  car)  from  the  train,  and  started  back  tr  Alexandiia. 

Fearful,  indeed,  was  the  eifect  of  this  deadly  storm  of  fire  and  iron 
hail  upon  the  soldiers,  helplessly  confined,  closely  packed  in  the  cars. 
The  slaughter  intended  for  them  was  a  species  of  murder,  for,  like  sheep 
in  the  shambles,  they  were  completely  in  the  power  of  their  enemies. 
Vain  was  the  strong  arm,  vain  was  courage  and  heroism  then.  Vain 
the  good  cause  and  the  longing  for  victory,  or,  at  least,  a  soldier's  death. 
Confined  within  narrow  limits,  and  crowded  upon  each  other,  the 
deadly  shot  was  poured  in  upon  them.  It  was  an  hour  in  which  the 
stoutest  heart  might  have  trembled,  and  yet  the  men  of  the  North  met 
the  iron  death  manfully.  Taken  completely  by  surprise,  sufiering  under 
every  disadvantage,  they  yet  made  a  good  stand.  With  desperate  cour- 
age they  leaped  from  the  riddled  cars  and  coolly  formed  into  line. 

Finding  the  enemy's  batteries  strongly  posted  and  supported  by  cav- 
alry and  infantry,  they  could  not  hope  to  carry  them  until  reinforced, 
and  withdrew  to  the  cover  of  a  neighboring  wood,  carrying  with  them, 
however,  their  dead  and  wounded. 

The  enemy's  force,  estimated  at  1,000  to  1,200  strong,  had  evidently 
moved  down  from  Fairfax  Court-IIouse  the  preceding  night. 

Ayre  Hill,  where  the  batteries  were  stationed,  is  a  very  commanding 
point,  and  is,  perhaps,  the  highest  ground  in  Fairfax  County.  The 
purpose  of  the  enemy  was  evidently  to  get  the  cars  with  the  Federal 
troops  on  the  straight  line  of  the  road  before  opening  their  murderous 
fire.    There  were  three  six-pound  guns  in  the  battery. 

The  Ohio  companies  behaved  with  much  credit  in  their  unpleasant 
position,  and  General  Schenck,  particularly,  displayed  perfect  coolness 
and  self  possession.  There  had  been  undoubtedly  a  lack  of  forethought 
in  neglecting  to  send  scouts  in  advance,  as  the  country  is  favorable  to 
Buch  reconnoitering ;  but  when  oilce  in  the  difficulty,  both  men  and 
officers  acted  bravely. 

They  kept  undisputed  possession  of  the  point  where  they  had  posted 
themselves,  the  enemy  not  deeming  it  prudent  to  follow  up  the  attack,  but 
contented  themselves  with  burning  the  cars,  although,  with  greatly  supe- 
rior numbers,  they  might  easily  have  captured  the  entire  Federal  force. 

A  loss  of  eight  killed  and  twelve  wounded  on  the  part  of  the  Federal- 
ists was  the  sequel  to  the  sad  and  disastrous  transaction,  and  when  the 
Sixty-ninth  New  York  advanced  to  Vienna  the  next  day,  no  trace  could 
be  found  of  the  enemy.  The  place  was  deserted,  and  silence  reigned 
where  the  little  band  of  men  had  been  so  nearly  sacrificed. 


KEVIEW   AT   WASHINGTON".  93 


EEVIEW  AT  WASHINGTOF. 


A  few  days  before  the  army  of  the  Potomac  was  to  make  its  advance, 
thirty  thousand  new  troops  passed  through  Washington,  and  were  re- 
viewed by  the  President  and  his  Cabinet.  A  stand  had  been  erected  in 
front  of  the  "White  House,  in  full  view  of  Jackson's  monument,  on 
which  Lincoln,  Seward,  Chase,  and  other  members  of  the  Cabinet  sat 
while  these  troops  passed  them  in  review.  Eloquent  speeches  were 
made,  and  the  most  unbounded  confidence  expressed  in  the  soldiers' 
ability  to  win  a  glorious  victory  over  the  enemy  whenever  they  should 
meet  him  in  the  open  field. 

The  troops  listened  with  interest,  and  answered  these  glowing  pre- 
dictions with  enthusiastic  shouts,  as  they  passed  away  from  the  parade 
ground  and  marched  in  solid  columns  across  the  Long  Bridge  that  spans 
the  Potomac,  there  to  share  a  destiny  far  diiferent  to  the  promised 
glory,  on  the  battle  field  of  Manassas. 

Another  imposing  ceremony  was  witnessed  in  Washington  on  the 
afternoon  of  the  review.  A  flag  was  to  be  raised  on  a  staff  near  the 
Treasury  Department,  and  this  was  a  kind  of  work  that  Lincoln  loved  to 
accomplish  with  his  own  hands  ;  so  he  moved  with  his  Cabinet  down  to 
the  point  of  operation. 

A  platform  had  been  ei'ected  at  the  foot  of  the  flag-staiF,  and  when  the 
President  took  his  place  upon  it,  thousands  and  tho^isands  of  loyal  citi- 
zens gathered  around  to  see  the  glorious  bunting  hoisted  in  mid  air. 

It  was  an  imposing  sight  when  the  President's  tall  figure  appeared 
standing  in  the  midst  of  his  councilors,  with  the  halyards  in  his  hands, 
ready  to  send  the  stars  and  stripes  aloft.  With  his  hand  uplifted  and 
his  face  raised  toward  the  sky,  he  ran  the  flag  up,  and  saw  it  catch  the 
wind  and  float  slowly  out  between  him  and  the  blue  sky.  He  stood 
looking  at  it  a  moment,  then  turned  his  bright,  earnest  eyes  upon  the 
uplifted  faces  of  the  crowd.  "  My  friends,"  he  said,  in  a  clear,  full 
voice,  "  it  h  an  easy  thing  for  me  to  run  this  flag  up  to  the  top  of  the 
stafi*,  but  it  will  take  the  whole  nation  to  keep  it  there." 

A  shout  rang  up  from  the  multitude,  one  of  those  wild,  impulsive 
echoes  of  a  thousand  hearts,  which  bespeak  the  enthusiasm  of  untried 
strength.  It  seemed  an  easy  thing  to  the  people,  with  the  tramp  of 
those  twenty  thousand  new  troops  in  their  ears,  to  keep  thousands  of 
star-spangled  banners  skyward  ;  but  before  many  days  had  passed,  the 
rush  of  fugitive  feet,  as  they  fled  along  those  very  pavements,  proved 
how  prophetic  that  simple  speech  of  President  Lincoln's  was. 

But  even  then  the  armies  on  the  opposite  banks  of  the  Potomac  wero 
mustering  in  force,  for  it  had  been  decided  that  an  advance  should  bo 
made  and  a  battle  fought,  which  it  was  hoped  would  decide  a  war 


94  THE   WAR   FOB   THE   UinOK. 

whifth  no  one  expected  to  be  of  long  duration.  Many  of  these  new 
troops  passed  from  that  Washington  review,  and  were  swallowed  up 
by  the  grand  army  without  having  been  inspected  by  the  commanding 
General,  who  afterward  considered  this  fact  one  cause  of  his  defeat. 
But  the  nation  was  eager  for  action ;  a  portion  of  the  press  fiercely  ur- 
gent for  a  forward  movement ;  the  two  houses  of  Congress  impatient  of 
delay;  so,  all  unprepared,  General  Scott  ordered  the  advance,  against 
his  own  judgment,  to  appease  the  general  clamor. 


ADVANCE  OP  THE  GEAND  AEMY. 

From  the  time  of  the  President's  proclamation  calling  for  troops  until 
the  12th  of  July,  immediately  preceding  the  advance  of  the  Grand  Army 
under  General  McDowell,  to  attack  the  rebel  forces  at  Bull  Run,  the 
time  had  been  industriously  employed  in  preparation.  Fortifications 
had  been  erected  on  the  north  side  of  the  Potomac,  at  eight  or  ten 
points  within  a  radius  of  three  miles  from  Washington  and  Georgetown. 
No  military  force  of  the  rebels  was  then  known  to  exist  on  the  Mary- 
land shore  ;  but  from  Mount  Yernon  to  the  mouth  of  the  Chesapeake 
on  the  south,  and  from  the  Chain  Bridge  to  the  junction  of  the 
Shenandoah  at  Harpers  Ferry  on  the  north,  they  held  imdisputed 
possession.  * 

General  Patterson  had  crossed  the  Potomac  early,  in  July,  with  a 
force  of  thirty  thousand  men,  and  was  encamped  at  Martinsburgh,  on 
the  12th,  having  instructions  from  the  Commander-in-chief  to  hold  the 
rebel  army  under  General  Johnston  in  check,  should  he  attempt  to  move 
forward  to  Manassas  for  the  purpose  of  reinforcing  Beauregard's  com- 
mand at  that  point.  Johnston  was  at  Winchester,  on  the  direct  route 
to  Manassas  Gap,  twenty-five  miles  from  Mai-tinsburgh,  and  it  was  a 
matter  of  vital  importance  that  he  should  be  prevented  from  making  a 
further  advance. 

The  entire  marching  force  of  General  McDowell  was  but  about  fifty- 
five  thousand,  while  twenty  thousand  were  lefk  as  a  reserve  at  Wash- 
ington and  vicinity,  under  the  command  of  General  Mansfield. 

And  thus  the  combatants  stood,  Avhen  a  day  of  fearful,  bloody  ending 
dawned  upon  them — a  day  almost  without  a  parallel  in  the  world's 
history  for  deeds  of  daring  and  stubborn  endurance,  imflinching  bravery, 
and  wild  panic. 

Manassas  was  selected  by  the  'Confederates  on  account  of  its  control- 
ling position.  Nature  had  done  very  much  towards  rendering  it  a 
second  Gibraltar,  and  art  had  completed  the  work.  The  country  around 
was  wild  and  broken,  with  but  few  roads  fit  for  the  movements  of  an 


ADVANCE  OP  THE  GRAND  ARMT.  95 

army,  and  those  easily  guarded.  Centreville  was  twenty-two  miles  dis- 
tant from  Washington,  and  Manassas  Junction  six  or  seven  more. 
About  midway  between  the  two  flowed  the  little  rivulet  of  Bull  llun, 
in  a  general  direction  from  north-west  to"  south-east.  A  road  led  from 
Centreville  to  the  Junction,  crossing  the  Run  three  miles  from  that  j 
place,  at  "  Blackburn's  Ford,"  while  a  turnpike  running  towards  War- 
renton,  also  crossed  Bull  Run  at  Stone  Bridge,  four  miles  distant.  Some- 
what east  of  south,  a  country  road  from  Centreville  crossed  Bull  Run, 
and  the  railroad  at  "  Union  Mills." 

The  Confederate  force  was  distributed  along  the  Run  from  Union 
Mills  to  the  Stone  Bridge,  Avith  reserves  and  a  strongly  fortified  position 
near  the  junction. 

The  army  of  General  McDowell,  when  it  marched  to  attack  that 
position,  numbered  about  30,000  men,  consisting,  with  the  exception  of 
70.0  or  800  regular  troops,  of  raw  volunteers,  none  of  whom  had  been 
under  mihtary  discipline  more  than  two  or  three  months.  Added  to 
this  mu§t  be  remembered  the  fact  that,  within  three  days,  ten  thousand 
•  of  the  number  would  have  a  right  to  claim  their  dismissal,  as  their  term 
of  enlistment  (three  months)  would  then  expire.  An  army,  conse- 
quently, less  prepared  to  march  to  the  attack  of  a  strongly  fortified 
position  it  would  have  been  difficult  to  assemble ;  and  this  was  rendered 
more  fatal  in  its  effects  from  the  fact  that  the  officers,  with  the  exception 
of  a  few  who  had  fought  in  the  Mexican  war,  were  unused  to  actual 
fighting,  and  almost  totally  unacquainted  with  their  different  commands. 

Under  these  unpromising  auspices,  the  army  marched  from  the  banks 
of  the  Potomac  on  the  afternoon  of  July  16th.  It  advanced  in  four  col- 
umns, toiling  along  under  the  burning  sun  and  over  the  hot  ground. 
One  by  the  turnpike,  one  on  the  right,  and  one  on  the  left  of  the  railroad, 
and  another  between  the  turnpike  and  railroad.  Expecting  to  encoun- 
ter the  enemy  at  Fairfax  Court-House,  seven  miles  this  side  of  Centre- 
ville, where  they  had  thrown  up  intrenchments,  the  three  columns  were 
directed  to  cooperate  at  that  point.  But  the  place  was  entered  about 
noon  on  the  17th,  only' to  find  the  intrenchments  abandoned  and  signs 
of  a  hasty  retreat  visible. 

On  the  morning  of  trie  18th,  the  different  columns  commenced  their 
march  from  Fairfax  to  Centreville.  While  General  McDowell  made  a 
personal  reconnoissance  to  the  left,  making  the  forward  movement  a 
mere  demonstration.  Major  J.  G.  Barnard,  chief-engineer  of  the  staff", 
proceeded  to  examine  the  enemy's  position  in  front.  In  this,  however, 
he  had  been  anticipated  by  General  Tyler,  who  had  pushed  a  brigade 
on  towards  Blackburn's  Ford.  Troops  were  in  motion  on  $he  plateau 
of  Manassas,  moving  up  to  reinforce  the  enemy's  lines,  and  though  no 
attack  had  been  intended  by  the  commanding  general  at  that  particular 


MIT^ 


ChaTlcslowih 
iiteJiall 


Wmcliestei^  BerruVo 


^       "'•^'^^  GEORSETlryi 
^  >^^H6IGHTS 


'leas(vnt 

'airfnx  :♦•    N       '■  V 

^  *■  '    £r  ivAsmivcTaM 
ntsV:        '         ~ 


08  THK  WAR  TOn  THE  tTNIOIT. 

point,  they  opened  upon  them  with  two  tweoty-poiinder  gnnn  in  hope 
of  ascertaining  the  position  of  these  batteries.  A  reply  was  soon  ob- 
tained— a  battery,  invisible  except  by  the  stnoke,  poured  forth  rapid 
discharges,  and  it  required  the  assistance  of  a  battery  of  rifled  six- 
pounders  to  enable  the  Union  troops  to  silence  it.  The  brigade  was 
then  filed  down  to  the  stream  and  skirmishing  maintained  for  some 
time.  This  battle,  though  apparently  of  small  importance,  was  disas- 
trous, inasmuch  as  it  disorganized  the  arrangements  of  the  commander- 
in-chief,  and  was  accompanied  by  great  loss  of  life,  when  compared 
with  the  magnitude  of  the  undertaking  and  any  beneficial  result  that 
could  have  sprung  from  it.  The  possibility  of  charging  into  Manas- 
sas, even  under  the  most  fortunate  circumstances,  was  so  remote,  that 
the  wisdom  of  an  action  at  that  point  and  at  that  time  has  been  gravely 
questioned  by  the  best  military  authorities.  That  night  the  columns  of 
the  army  united,  and  encamped  about  a  mile  in  the  rear  of  Fairfax 
Court  House,  upon  a  broad  hill  side,  and  on  the  extended  plain  at  its 
base.  A  stream  of  water  which  crossed  the  grounds  rendered  the  spot 
peculiarly  important  to  the  soldiers. 

The  next  day  was  spent  in  reconnoitering,  and  in  determining  how 
and  wher0  an  attack  should  be  made.  The  Stone  Bridge  was  guarded 
by  batteries,  and  the  ground  beyond  obstructed  by  formidable  abattis. 
The  roads  leading  to  fords  between  Blackburn's  and  the  Stone  Bridpre 
were  mere  by-paths,  and  the  opposite  bank  of  the  stream  steep,  tangled, 
and  obstructed.  Two  miles  above,  however,  there  was  a  good  ford, 
but  slightly  guarded,  at  Sudley's  Spring. 

On  these  data  the  plan  of  attack  was  based,  as  follows :  One  division, 
under  Colonel  Miles,  to  make,  with  one  of  its  brigades,  a  false  attack 
on  Blackburn's  Ford ;  another  division  (Tyler's)  to  move  up  the  turn- 
pike to  the  Stone  Bridge  and  threaten  that  point,  and  at  the  proper  time 
carry  it,  and  unite  with  the  principal  column,  which  consisted  of  Hun- 
ter's and  Heintzelman's  divisions  ;  then  by  a  flank  movement  reach  the 
Sudley  Ford,  and  descending  the  right  bank  of  the  stream,  take  the 
defences  in  the  rear  of  Stone  Bridge,  and  give  battle  with  the  united 
force,  strike  at  the  enemy's  raikoad  communication,  or  otherwise,  as 
circumstances  should  dictate. 


THE   BATTLE   OF  BULL  BUN. 

Bull  Run,  that  once  unknown  name,  is  marked  with  great  crimson 
letters  upon  the  scroll  of  time  !  Tears  wrung  from  the  anguished  soul, 
tears  hot  and  blinding,  still  fall  at  the  mere  mention  of  its  ill  omened 
name.  A  nation's  miserere  has  been  tolled  from  uncounted  steeples  over 


THE   BATTLE    OF    BULL   RUN.  90 

its  dead,  and  a  whole  nation  put  on  weeds  of  mourning  when  its  battle 
cloud  spread  slowly  over  the  land,  filling  it  with  gloom. 

"With  bayonets  for  pens,  and  precious  human  blood  for  ink,  the  record 
of  this  first  great  battle  of  the  Union  War  should  be  Avritten  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  world ; — the  ensanguined  page  illuminated  with  iron  hail 
and  leaden  sleet — with  hissing  shot — whirlwinds  of  death-rnissiles,  and 
the  fire-belching  portals  of  masked  batteries.  O,  day  of  doom,  day  of 
sad  errors  and  illustrious  deeds,  when  blood  was  poured  •  forth  like 
water,  until  the  reeking  earth  shuddered  as  it  drank  in  the  crimson  del- 
uge !  Generations  shall  hereafter  look  back  on  thee  with  painful  won- 
der, for  they  will  remember  that  the  first  pitched  battle  in  which  Ameri- 
cans met  Americans  in  mortal  strife,  was  fought  on  thy  soil,  beneath 
"  the  bloody  sun  at  noon." 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  McDowell's  forces  were  encamped  in 
and  around  Centreville.  The  divisions  were  under  orders  to  march  at 
half  past  two  o'clock,  that  they  might  reach  the  groimd  early  and 
avoid  the  heat.  Before  this  time  the  encampments  were  in  motion ; 
but  the  troops  were  not  yet  sufiiciently  disciplined  for  the  exigencies  of 
a  prompt  march,  and  some  delay  arose  with  the  first  division  in  getting 
out  of  camp.  Thus  the  road  was  obstructed,  and  other  divisions  thrown 
two  hours  out  of  time.  But  there  was  no  lack  of  energy  or  zeal ;  the 
very  want  of  discipline  which  caused  delay  rendered  the  scenes  in  the 
various  encampments  more  grand  and  imposing.  It  was  indeed  a 
beautiful  spectacle.  A  lovely  moonlight  flooded  the  whole  country. 
Soft  mists  lay  in  the  valleys — the  hill-tops  were  studded  for  miles 
around  by  the  camp  fires  which  thirty  regiments  had  left,  kindling  the 
landscape  with  their  star-like  gleams.  In  the  hollows,  along  the  level 
grounds,  and  among  the  trees,  thousands  on  thousands  of  armed  men 
moved  athwart  the  fires,  harnessing  horses  to  artillery,  getting  out  army 
wagons,  preparing  ambulances  and  filling  haversacks  with  the  three 
days'  rations  ordered  for  their  subsistence.  No  man  of  all  that  vast  host 
was  idle — want  of  order  there  might  have  been,  but  no  lack  of  energy. 

Now,  thirty  thousand  men,  horses,  ordnance  and  wagons,  were  all  in 
place,  ready  for  a  march  through  the  beautiful  night,  and  under  that 
serene  moon,  which  many  of  them  would  never  look  upon  again. 

McDowell  and  his  stafi"  moved  with  the  first — Tyler's — central  col- 
umn, and  the  advance  commenced.  The  picturesque  encampments 
were  soon  left  behind  ;  the  fires  grew  paler  and  twinkled  out  in  a  glow 
of  mist ;  the  tents  dwindled  into  littleness,  till  they  seemed  more  like 
great  flocks  of  white-plumaged  birds,  nestled  in  the  foliage,  than  the 
paraphernalia  of  war.  Nothing  could  be  more  quiet  and  peaceful  than 
the  country  the  troops  had  left — nothing  more  solemnly  grand  than 
the  advance.     It  was  aa  army  of  Americans,  marching  through  the  still 


100  THE  WAE  FOE  THE   UNION. 

night  to  meet  Americans  for  the  first  time  in  a  great  pitched  battle 
Nothing  but  holy  patriotism  and  a  stem  sense  of  duty  could  have  led 
these  men  into  the  field.  They  marched  on,  with  thousands  of  bayonets 
gleaming  in  the  moonlight,  and  casting  long-pointed  shadows  over  the 
path ;  staff  officers  formed  imposing  groups  as  they  moved  forward  in 
the  moonlight,  casting  pictures  upon  the  earth  that  were  like  broken 
battle  scenes. 

In  the  ranks  there  was  something  more  than  stern  courage  ;  generous 
enthusiasm  and  honest  emulation  were  eloquent  there.  Comrade  greeted 
comrade,  for  the  coming  danger  made  friends  brothers  ;  and  common 
acquaintances  fell  into  affectionate  intimacy.  Many  a  touching  message 
was  exchanged  between  men  who  had  never  met  out  of  the  ranks,  for 
while  they  panted  for  victory,  each  man  prepared  to  earn  it  with 
his  life. 

These  men  knew  that  a  terrible  day's  fighting  lay  before  them  ;  but 
the  previous  defeat  of  Thursday  rankled  in  their  proud  hearts,  and  each 
man  felt  it  as  an  individual  reproach  which  must  be  swept  away.  From 
the  central  column  to  the  rear,  this  feeling  prevailed  among  the  men.' 

The  troops  of  the  old  Bay  State,  of  Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  and 
New  York,  entered  into  a  spirit  of  generous  rivalry.  Ohio,  Michigan, 
"Wisconsin  and  Minnesota  entered  the  lisi  with  true  Western  fervor, 
while  the  rich  Celtic  humor  rose  in  fun  and  pathos  from  the  Irish  troops. 

The  officers  shared  this  enthusiasm  with  their  men.  Tyler  moved 
on,  burning  to  atone  for  his  noble  rashness  at  Blackburn's  Ford — Burn- 
side,  Corcoran,  Keyes,  Spidel,  Meagher,  and  many  another  noble  fellow, 
thought  exultingly  of  the  laurels  to  be  gathered  on  the  morrow.  Gen- 
eral McDowell's  carriage  halted  at  the  two  roads,  a  spot  that  he  deemed 
most  convenient  for  receiving  despatches  from  the  various  points  of 
the  battle-field. 

Here  the  column  of  General  Hunter  diverged  from  the  main  body 
and  went  away  thro'ugh  the  moonlit  country  on  its  assigned  duty, 
which  led  him  around  the  enemy's  flank  by  a  long  and  harassing  route. 
With  him  went  Ileintzelman,  Porter,  Burnside  and  Sprague  with 
their  valiant  Rhode  Islanders,  and  "Wilcox,  that  bravest  of  young  men 
and  most  brilliant  author,  who  met  a  fate  almost  worse  than  death  in 
the  hottest  of  the  coming  battle.  There,  too,  was  Slocura,  Ilaggerty, 
and  many  another  valiant  fellow,  marching  forward  to  a  glorious  death. 
Each  and  all  of  these,  with  their  regiments  or  brigades,  swept  to  the 
right,  to  meet  their  comrades  again  in  the  hottest  of  the  battle. 

A  mile  from  the  Cross  Roads,  and  the  dawn  of  a  bright  July  day 
broke  pleasantly  'on  the  moving  troops — a  morning  cool  with  dew, 
fresh  with  verdure,  and  tranquil  and  peaceful,  save  for  the  armed  men 
that  made  the  earth  tremble  under  their  solid  tread  as  they  moved 


THE   BATTLK    OF    BULL    RUN.  101 

( 

over  it.  The  mists  of  a  dewy  night  were  slowly  uplifted,  and  beauti- 
ful reaches  of  the  country  were  revealed.  On  the  left  was  the  station 
assigned  to  Richardson  and  Davies ;  beyond  it,  the  valley  which  one 
unfortunate  conflict  had  so  lately  stained  with  blood. 

When  Tyler's  division  came  to  the  edge  of  a  wooded  hill  overlooking 
these  scenes,  the  sun  arose,  flooding  them  with  rosy  splendor.  The 
soldiers  knew,  but  could  not  realize  that  this  scene,  so  beautiful  and 
tranquil,  had  been  a  field  of  carnage,  and  would,  before  that  sun  went 
down,  be  red  with  the  blood  of  many  a  brave  heart  beating  among  them 
then.  They  knew  well  that  in  a  brief  time  the  pure  atmosphere, 
which  it  was  now  a  joy  to  breathe,  would  be  heavy  with  stifling  smoke  ; 
that  the  noble  forests  whose  leaves  trembled  so  pleasantly  in  the  new- 
born sunshine,  were  but  a  concealment  for  masked  batteries — fearful 
engines  of  destruction,  and  men  more  ravenous  for  their  lives  than  the 
wild  animals  that  civilization  had  driven  away  from  them. 

From  the  point  of  view  just  described,  where  the  road  falls  gently 
down  to  a  ravine,  the  enemy  first  appeared.  A  line  of  infantry  was 
drawn  up  in  a  distant  meadow,  close  upon  a  back-ground  of  woods. 

The  second  and  third  regiments  of  Tyler's  brigade,  under  Schenck, 
was  at  once  formed  into  line  in  the  woods  on  either  side,  the  First  Ohio, 
Second  Wisconsin,  Seventy-ninth,  Thirteenth,  and  Sixty-ninth  New 
York  regiments  succeeding  each  other  on  the  right,  and  the  Second 
Ohio  and  Second  New  York  being  similarly  placed  on  the  left,  while 
the  artillery  came  down  the  road  between. 

A  great  32-pound  rifled  Parrott  gun — the  only  one  of  its  calibre  in 
the' field  service— -was  brought  forward,  and  made  to  bear  on  the  point 
where  the  bayonets  of  the  enemy  had  suddenly  disappeared  in  the 
woods,  and  a  shell  was  fired  at  fifteen  minutes  past  six,  a.  m.,  which 
burst  in  the  air ;  but  the  report  of  the  piece  awoke  the  country  for 
leagues  around  to  a  sense  of  what  that  awful  day  would  prove.  The 
reverberation  was  tremendous,  and  the  roar  of  the  revolving  shell 
indescribable.  Throughout  the  battle  that  gun,  whenever  it  was  fired, 
seemed  to  hush  and  overpower  everything  else.  No  answering  salute 
came  back,  so  the  32-pounder  sent  a  second  shell  at  a  hill-top,  two  miles 
off,  where  it  was  suspected  that  a  battery  had  been  planted  by  the  rebels. 

The  bomb  burst  close  at  the  intended  point,  but  no  answer  came. 
General  Tyler  ordered  Carlisle  to  cease  firing,  and  bring  the  rest  of  bis 
battery  to  the  front  of  the  woods  and  get  the  column  ready  for  instant 
action. 

Tyler's  position-was  before  the  valley  of  Bull  Run,  but  the  descent 
•was  gradual,  and  surrounded  by  thick  woods  down  almost  to  the  ravine 
through  which  the  stream  flows.  The  enemy,  on  the  contrary,  had 
cleared  away  all  the  obstructing  foliage,  and  bared  the  earth  in  everj' 


102  ^  TIIK    \VAR   FOR   THE    UNIOX. 

direction  over  which  they  could  bring  their  artillery  upon  the  Union 
forces.  Clumps  of  trees  and  bushes  remained  wherever  their  earth- 
works and  other  concealed  defences  could  be  advantageously  planted 
among  them.  The  ground  on  their  side  was  vastly  superior  to  that  of  the 
assailants.  It  rose  in  gradual  slopes  to  great  heights,  but  was  broken 
into  hills  and  terraces  in  many  places,  upon  which  strong  earthworks 
were  planted,  some  openly,  but  the  greater  portion  concealed.  Nature 
had  supplied  positions  of  defence  which  needed  but  little  labor  to  render 
them  'desperately  formidable.  IIow  thoroughly  these  advantages  had 
been  improved  was  established  by  the  almost  superhuman  efforts  which 
were  required  to  dislodge  their  troops,  and  by  the  obstinate  opposition 
which  they  displayed  before  retiring  from  one  strong  point  to  another. 
It  was  now  about  seven  o'clock — for  an  hour  everything  was  silent.  At 
eight,  the  deep  sullen  boom  of  Richardsons  and  Davies'  batteries  at 
Blackburn's  Ford  broke  the  stillness,  and  from  that  quarter  constant  can- 
nonading was  kept  up  for  some  time. 

By  this  time  scouts  reported  the  enemy  in  some  force  on  the  left. 
Two  or  three  Ohio  skirmishers  had  been  killed.  Carlisle's  battery  was 
sent  to  the  front  of  the  woods  on  the  right,  where  it  could  be  brought 
to  play  when  needed.  A  few  shells  were  thrown  into  the  opposite 
thicket,  and  then  the  Second  Ohio  and  Second  New  York  marched 
down  to  rout  the  enemy  from  their  hiding  places.  As  they  rushed  to- 
ward a  thickly-covered  abatis  on  the  banks  of  the  Run,  the  rebels  came 
swarming  out  like  bees,  and  fled  to  the  next  fortification  beyond. 

General  Schenck's  brigade  was  moved  forward  to  the  left,  but  half- 
way to  the  Run  met  the  full  fire  of  a  masked  battery  effectually  con- 
qealed  by  the  bushes. 

A  few  dead  and  wounded  began  to  be  brought  in,  and  the  battle  of 
Manassas  had  commenced.  Carlisle's  howitzers  and  the  great  rifled 
gun  were  opened  in  the  direction  of  the  battery,  which  answered 
promptly,  and  a  brief  but  terrific  cannonading  ensued.  In  less  than 
half  an  hour  the  enemy's  guns  were  silenced,  two  of  Carlisle's  howitzers 
advancing  through  the  woods  to  gain  a  closer  position,  and  Schenck's 
brigade  retired  to  its  first  lines. 

At  eleven  o'clock,  the  artillery,  which  resounded  from  every  portion  of 
the  field,  extending  from  Davies  and  Richardson's  position  on  the  extreme 
left,  to  the  right  near  Sudley,  gave  startling  evidence  that  Hunter  Avas 
making  his  way  around  the  enemy.  The  roll  and  thunder  was  incessant 
— great  volumes  of  smoke  surged  over  the  vast  field,  impalling  it  in  the 
distance,  and  making  the  air  around  the  near  batteries  thick  with  smoke. 

It  Avas  true,  Hunter's  and  Heintzelman's  columns  had  taken  the  field 
on  the  extreme  right. 

McDowell  in  his  plan  of  battle  had  calculated  that  the  marching  col- 


THE   BATTLE   OF    BULL   RUK.  108 

umn  should  diverge  from  the  turnpike  by  early  daylight  (a  night  march 
being  deemed  imprudent),  and  reach  Sudley  Ford  by  six  or  seven,  a.  m. 
The  Stone  Bridge  division  did  not  clear  the  road  over  which  both,  for  a 
certain  distance,  had  to  pass,  so  that  the  column  could  take  up  its  march, 
until  after  the  time.  The  route  to  Sudley  proved  far  longer  and  more 
difficult  than  was  anticipated.  The  column  did  not  reach  the  Sudley 
Ford  till  near  half-past  nine,  three  or  four  hours  "  behind  time."  When 
it  reached  the  ford,  the  heads  of  the  enemy's  columns  were  visible  on 
the  march  to  meet  it. 

The  gro'\nd  between  the  stream  and  the  road,  leading  from  Sudley 
south,  wat  for  about  a  mile  thickly  wooded  ;  on  the  right,  for  the  same 
distance,  divided  between  fields  and  timber.  A  mile  from  the  ford  the 
country  on  both  sides  of  the  road  is  open,  and  for  a  mile  further  large, 
irregular  fields  extend  to  the  turnpike,  which,  after  crossing  Bull  Run 
at  the  "  Stone  Bridge,"  passes  what  became  the  field  of  battle,  through 
the  valley  of  a  small  tributary  of  the  Run. 

But,  notwithstanding  a  fearful  march  over  broken  grounds  in  the 
hot  sun,  with  his  men  suffering  from  heat  and  thirst.  Hunter  had  reached 
his  point  of  operation,  late  it  is  true,  but  from  no  fault  of  his.  The 
weary  soldiers  uttered  exclamations  of  joy  when  they  saw  the  limpid 
waters  of  the  Run,  and  plunging  into  its  current  bathed  their  hot  hands 
and  burning  faces  as  they  Avaded  through,  and  came  out  on  the  other 
side  greatly  invigorated.  While  his  thirsty  men  were  refreshing  them- 
selves with  cool  draughts  of  water.  Hunter  sent  a  courier  to  General 
McDowell,  reporting  that  he  had  safely  crossed  the  Run. 

The  General  was  lying  on  the  ground,  having  been  ill  during  the 
night,  but  at  once  mounted  his  horse  and  rode  on  to  join  the  column 
on*  which  so  much  depended. 

The  halt  had  not  lasted  two  minutes  when  Col.  Burnside  led  his  dif- 
ferent regiments  into  their  position  on  the  field.  The  Second  Rhode 
Island  entered  first  to  the  extreme  right;  then  the  Rhode  Island 
battery  of  six  pieces,  and  two  howitzers  of  the  Seventy-first,  and  after 
it  on  the  left,  the  First  Rhode  Island  and  the  Second  New  Hampshire, 
all  formed  in  line  of  battle  on  the  top  of  the  hill. 

Shortly  after  the  leading  regiment  of  the  first  brigade  reached  the 
open  space,  and  whilst  others  and  the  second  brigade  were  crossing  to 
the  front  and  right,  the  enemy  opened  his  fire,  beginning  Avith  artillery, 
and  following  it  up  with  infantry.  The  leading  brigade  (Burnside's) 
had  to  sustain  this  shock  for  a  short  time  withf»ut  support,  and  met  i% 
bravely.  Gov.  Sprague  himself  directed  the  movements  of  the  Rhode 
Island  brigade,  and  was  conspicuous  through  the  day  for  gallantry. 
The  enemy  were  found  in  heavy  numbers  opposite  this  nol  le  brigade, 
of  our  army,  and  greeted  it  with  shell  and  long  volleys  of  battalion 


104  THE  WAB  FOB  THB  UNIOlf. 

firing  as  it  advanced.     But  on  it  went,  and  a  fierce  conflict  now  com 
menced. 

The  eneniy  clung  to  the  protecting  wood  with  tenacity,  and  the  Rhode 
Island  battery  became  so  much  endangered  as  to  impel  the  commander 
of  the  second  brigade  to  call  for  the  assistance  of  the  battalion  of  reg- 
ulars. At  this  time  news  ran  through  the  lines  that  Colonel  Hunter 
was  seriously  wounded.  Porter  took  command  of  his  division ;  and,  in 
reply  to  the  urgent  request  of  Colonel  Bumside,  detached  the  battalion 
of  regulars  to  his  assistance,  followed  shortly  afterwards  by  the  New 
Hampshire  regiments.  Shortly  afterward  the  other  corps  of  Porter's 
brigade,  and  a  regiment  detached  from  Heintzelman's  division  to  the 
left,  emerged  from  the  timber,  where  some  hasty  disposition  of  skir- 
mishers had  been  made  at  the  head  of  the  column,  in  which  Colonel 
Slocum,  of  the  Second  Rhode  Island  regiment,  distinguished  himself 
for  great  activity. 

The  rattle  of  musketry  and  crash  of  round  shot  through  the  leaves 
and  branches,  had  warned  them  when  the  action  commenced,  and  the 
column  moved  forward  before  these  preliminaries  were  completed, 
eager  for  a  share  in  the  fight. 

The  head  of  Porter's  brigade  was  immediately  turned  a  little  to  the 
right,  in  order  to  gain  time  and  room  for  deployment  on  the  right  of 
the  second  bi'igade.  Griffin's  battery  found  its  way  through  the 
timber  to  the  fields  beyond,  followed  promptly  by  the  marines,  while 
the  Twenty-Seventh  took  direction  more  to  the  left,  and  the  Fourteenth 
followed  upon  the  trail  of  the  battery — all  moving  up  at  a  double-quick 
step.  At  this  time  General  McDowell  with  his  statf  rode  through  the 
lines  and  was  loudly  cheered  as  they  passed  within  six  hundred  feet  of 
the  enemy's  line. 

The  enemy  appeared  drawn  up  in  a  long  Ijne,  extending  along  the 
Warrenton  turnpike,  from  a  house  and  haystack  upon  their  extreme 
right,  to  a  house  beyond  the  left  of  the  division.  Behind  that  house 
there  was  a  heavy  masked  battery,  which,  with  three  others  along  his 
line,  on  the  heights  beyond,  covered  the  ground  through  which  the 
troops  were  advancing  with  all  sorts  of  projectiles.  A  grove,  in  front  of 
Porter's  right  wing,  aftbrded  it  shelter  and  protection,  while  the  under- 
brush along  the  road  in  the  fences,  screened  to  some  extent  his  left  wing. 

Griffin  advanced  to  within  one  thousand  yards,  and  opened  a  deadly 
fire  upon  these  batteries,  which  were  soon  silenced  or  driven  away. 

The  right  was  rapidly  developed  by  the  marines,  Twenty-Seventh, 
Fourteenth,  and  Eighth,  with  the  cavalry  in  rear  of  the  right ;  the 
enemy  retreating  in  more  precipitation  than  order  as  the  line  advanced. 
The  second  brigade  (Burnside's)  was  at  this  time  attacking  the  enemy's 
right  with  great  vigor. 


THE   BATTLK    OF    BULL    RUN.  105 

The  rebels  soon  came  flpng  fi-om  the  woods  toward  the  right,  and  the 
Twenty-Seventh  completed  their  rout  by  charging  directly  upon  their 
centre  in  face  of  a  scorching  fire,  while  the  Fourteenth  and  Eighth 
moved  down  the  turnpike  to  cut  off  the  retiring  foe,  and  to  support  the 
Twenty-Seventh,  which  had  lost  its  gallant  Colonel,  but  was  standing 
the  brunt  of  the  action,  though  its  ranks  were  terribly  thinned  in  the 
dreadful  fire.  Now  the  resistance  of  the  enemy's  left  was  so  obstinate 
that  the  beaten  right  retired  in  safety. 

The  head  of  Heintzelman's  column  at  this  moment  appeared  upon 
the  field,  and  the  Eleventh  and  Fifth  Massachusetts  regiments  moved 
forward  to  support  the  centre,  while  staff  officers  could  be  seen  gallop- 
ing rapidly  in  every  direction,  endeavoi'ing  to  rally  the  broken  Eighth, 
but  with  little  success. 

The  Fourteenth,  though  it  had  broken,  was  soon  rallied  in  rear  of 
Griffin's  battery,  which  took  up  a  position  further,  to  the  front  and 
right,  from  which  his  fire  was  delivered  with  such  precision  and  rapid- 
ity as  to  compel  the  batteries  of  the  enemy  to  retire  in  consternation 
far  behind  the  brow  of  the  hill  in  front. 

At  this  time  Porter^s  brigade  occupied  a  line  considerably  in  advance 
of  that  first  occupied  by  the  left  wing  of  the  rebels.  The  battery  was 
pouring  its  withering  fire  into  the  batteries  and  columns  of  the  enemy 
wherever  they  exposed  themselves.  The  cavalry  were  engaged  in 
feeling  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy's  position,  in  doing  which  some  im- 
portant captures  were  made,  one  by  Sergeant  Socks,  of  the  Second 
Dragoons,  of  a  Genei'al  George  Stewart,  of  Baltimore.  The  cavalry 
also  did  brave  service. 

General  Tyler's  division  was  engaged  with  the  enemy's  right.  The 
Twenty-Seventh  was  resting  on  the  edge  of  the  woods  in  the  centre, 
covered  by  a  hill  upon  which  lay  the  Eleventh  and  Fifth,  Massachusetts, 
occasionally  delivering  a  scattering  fire.  The  Fourteenth  was  moving 
to  the  right  flank,  the  Eighth  had  lost  its  organization,  the  marines 
were  moving  up  in  fine  style  in  the  rear  of  the  Fourteenth,  and  Cap- 
tain Arnold  was  occupying  a  height  in  the  middle  ground  with  hia 
battery.  At  this  juncture  there  was  a  temporary  lull  in  the  firing  from 
the  rebels,  who  appeared  only  now  and  then  on  the  heights  in  irregular 
tnasses,  but  to  serve  as  marks  for  Griffin's  guns.  The  prestige  of  suc- 
cess had  thus  far  attended  the  efforts  of  the  inexperienced  but  gallant 
Union  troops.  The  lines  of  the  enemy  had  been  forcibly  shifted  nearly 
a  mile  to  their  left  and  rear.  The  flags  of  eight  regiments,  though 
borne  somewhat  wearily,  now  pointed  toward  the  hill  from  which  dis- 
ordered masses  of  the  rebels  had  been  seen  hastily  retiring. 

Rickett's  battery,  together  with  Griffith's  battery,  on  the  side  of  the 
hill,  had  been  objects  of  the  special  attention  of  the  encny,  who  had 


106  THE   WAR   FOB  THE    UNION. 

succeeded  in  disabling  Rickett's  battery,  and  then  attempted  to  take 
it.  Three  times  was  he  repulsed  by  different  corps  in  succession,  and 
driven  back,  and  the  guns  taken  by  hand,  the  horses  being  killed,  and 
pulled  away.  The  third  time  the  repulse  seemed  to  be  final,  for  he 
was  driven  entirely  from  the  hill,  and  so  far  beyond  it  as  not  to  be  in 
sight.  He  had  before  this  been  driven  nearly  a  mile  and  a  half,  and 
was  beyond  the  Warrenton  road,  which  was  entirely  in  Feder.al  pos- 
session, from  the  Stone  Bridge  westward.  The  engineers  Avere  just 
completing  the  removal  of  the  abatis  across  the  road,  to  allow  rein- 
forcements (Schenck's  brigade  and  Ayers'  battery)  to  join  m.  The 
enemy  was  evidently  disheartened  and  broken. 

But  at  this  moment,  when  everything  pointed  to  a  speedy  victory, 
orders  came  through  Major  Barry  of  the  Fifih  artillery,  for  Griffin's 
battery  to  move  from  the  hill  upon  which  the  house  stood,  to  the  top 
of  a  hill  on  the  right,  with  the  "  Fire  Zouaves"  and  marines,  while  the 
Fourteenth  entered  the  skirt  of  wood  on  their  right,  to  protect  that 
flank,  and  a  column,  composed  of  the  Twenty-seventh  New  York, 
Eleventh  and  Fifth  Massachusetts,  Second  Minnesota,  and  Sixty-Ninth 
New  York,  moved  up  toward  the  left  batteries.  It  had  taken  position, 
but  before  the  flanking  supports  had  reached  theirs,  a  murderous  fire  of 
musketry  and  rifles  opened  at  pistol  range,  cutting  down  every  cannonier, 
and  a  large  number  of  horses.  The  fire  came  from  some  infantry  of 
the  enenly,  which  had  been  mistaken  for  Union  forces  ;  an  officer  in  the 
field  having  stated  that  it  Avas  a  regiment  sent  by  Colonel  Heintzelmau 
to  support  the  batteries. 

As  soon  as  the  Zouaves  came  up,  they  were  led  forward  against  an 
Alabama  regiment,  partly  concealed  in  a  clump  of  small  pines  in  an  old 
field. 

After  a  severe  fire  they  broke,  and  the  greatest  portion  of  them  fell 
to  the  rear,  keeping  up  a  desultory  firing  over  the  heads  of  their  com- 
rades in  front ;  at  the  same  moment  they  were  charged  by  a  company 
of  rebel  cavalry  on  their  rear,  who  came  by  a  road  through  two 
strips  of  woods  on  the  extreme  right.  The  fire  of  the  Zouaves  dis- 
persed them.  The  discomfiture  of  this  cavalry  was  completed  by  a  fire 
from  Captain  Colburn's  company  of  United  States  cavalry,  which  killed 
and  wounded  several  men.  Colonel  Farnham,  with  some  of  his  officers 
and  men,  behaved  gallantly,  and  many  of  his  men  did  good  service  as 
skirmishers  later  in  the  day.  General  Ileintzelman  then  led  up  the 
Minnesota  regiment,  which  was  also  repulsed,  but  retired  in  tolerably 
good  order.  It  did  good  service  in  the  woods  on  the  right  flank,  and 
was  among  the  last  to  retire,  moving  off  the  field  with  the  Third 
United  States  infantry.  Next  was  led  forward  the  First  Michigan, 
"which  was  also  repulsed,  and  retired  in  considerable  confusion.     The* 


TIIE    BATTLE    OF    BULL   RUN.  107 

were  rallied,  and  helped  to  hold  the  Avoods  on  the  right.  Tlie  Brooklyn 
Fourteenth  then  appeared  on  the  ground,  coming  forward  in  gallant 
style.  They  were  led  forward  to  the  left,  where  the  Alabama  regiment 
had  been  posted  in  the  early  part  of  the  action,  but  had  now  disap- 
peared, and  soon  came  in  sight  of  the  line  of  the  enemy  drawn  up  be- 
yond the  clump  of  trees.  Soon  after  the  firing  commenced,  the  regi- 
ment broke  and  retired.  It  was  useless  to  attempt  a  rally.  The  want 
of  discipline  in  these  regiments  was  so  great  that  the  most  of  the  men 
would  run  from  fifty  to  several  hundred  yards  in  the  rear,  and  continue 
to  fire,  compelling  those  in  front  to  retreat. 

During  this  time  Rickett's  battery  had  been  captured  and  retaken 
three  times  by  Ileintzelraan's  forces,  but  was  finally  lost,  most  of  the 
horses  having  been  killed — Captain  Ricketts  being  wounded,  and  First 
Lieutenant  D.  Ramsay  killed.  Lieutenant  Kirby  behaved  gallantly,  and 
succeeded  in  carrying  off  one  caisson.  Before  this  time,  heavy  rein- 
forcements of  the  enemy  were  distinctly  seen  approaching  by  two  roads, 
extending  and  outflanking  Heintzelman  on  the  right.  General  Howard's 
brigade  came  on  the  field  at  this  time,  having  been  detained  by  the 
General  as  a  reserve.  It  took  post  on  a  hill  on  Heintzelman's  right 
and  rear,  and  for  some  time  gallantly  held  the  enemy  in  check.  One 
company  of  cavalry  attached  to  Heintzelman's  division,  was  joined, 
during  the  engagement,  by  the  cavalry  of  Colonel  Hunter's  division, 
under  the  command  of  Major  Palmer. 

Colonel  W.  B.  Franklin  commanded  the  first  brigade  of  Heintzelman's 
division.  Aportion  of  that  brigade  rendered  distinguished  service,  and 
received  official  commendation  from  the  commanding  general. 

General  Tyler,  who  kept  his  position  at  the  Stone  Bridge,  to  menace 
that  point,  and  at  the  proper  moment  to  carry  it  and  unite  with  the 
turning  column,  had  sent  forward  the  right  wmg  of  his  command  to 
co-operate  with  Hvmter  as  soon  as  he  was  discovered  making  his  way  on 
the  flank. 

Two  brigades  (Sherman's  and  Keyes')  of  that  division  had  passed  the 
Run.  Colonel  Sherman  joined  himself  to  the  divisions  of  Hunter  and 
Heintzelman,  and  was  soon  engaged  in  the  hottest  part  of  the  action. 

The  famous  Irish  regiment,  1,600  strong,  who  have  had  so  much  of 
the  hard  digging  to  perform,  claimed  the  honor  of  a  share  in  the  hard 
fighting,  and  led  the  van  of  Tyler's  attack,  followed  by  the  Seventy- 
ninth  (Highlanders),  and  Thirteenth  New  York,  and  the  Second  Wis- 
consin. 

It  was  a  brave  sight — that  rush  of  the  Sixty-ninth  into  the  death- 
struggle — with  such  cheers  as  proved  a  hearty  love  of  the  work  before 
them !  With  a  quick  step  at  first,  and  then  a  double-quick,  and  at  last 
a  run,  they  dashed  forward  and  along  the  edge  of  the  extended  forest. 


108 


TUB  WAR  FOB  THE    JNION. 


Coats  and  knapsacks  were  thrown  to  either  side,  that  nothing  might 
impede  their  work.  It  was  certain  that  no  guns  would  slip  from  the 
hands  of  those  determined  fellows,  even  if  dying  agonies,  were  needed 
to  close  them  with  a  firmer  grasp.  As  the  line  swept  along,  Meagher 
galloped  toward  the  head,  crying,  "  Come  on,  boys  !  you've  got  your 
chance  at  last ! " 


BULUANT   CHARGE    ON    A    EEBEL    BATTERY. 


Sherman's  brigade  thus  moved  forward  for  half  a  mile,  describing 
quite  one-fourth  of  a  circle  on  the  right,  Colonel  Quimby's  reghnent  in 
front,  the  other  regiments  following  in  line  of  battle — the  Wisconsin 
Second,  New  York  Seventy-ninth,  and  New  York  Sixty-ninth  in  succes- 
sion. Quimby's  regiment  advanced  steadily  up  the  hill  and  opened 
fire  on  the  enemy,  who  had  made  a  stand.  The  regiment  continued 
advancing  as  the  enemy  gave  way,  till  the  head  of  his  colunm  reached 
the  point  where  Rickett's  battery  had  been  cut  up.  The  other  regi- 
ments followed  under  a  fearful  cannonading.  At  the  point  where  the 
road  crossed  the  ridge  to  the  left,  the  ground  was  swept  by  a  fire  of 
artillery,  rifles,  and  musketry.  Regiment  after  regiment  were  driven 
from  it,  following  the  Zouaves  and  a  battalion  of  marines. 

When  the  Wisconsin  Second  was  abreast  of  the  enemy,  it  av^s  or- 
dered to  leave  the  roadway  and  attack  him.    This  regiment  ascended 


THE   BATTLE   OF   BULL   KUN.  109 

the  hill,  vras  met  with  a  sharp  fire,  returned  it  gallantly,  and  advanced, 
delivering  its  fire.  But  the  response  was  terrific,  and  the  regiment  fled 
in  confusion  toAvard  the  road.  It  rallied  again,  passed  the  brow  of  the 
hill  a  second  time,  and  was  again  repulsed  in  disorder.  By  this  time 
the  New  York  Seventy-ninth  had  closed  up.  It  was'  impossible  to  get 
a  good  view  of  the  ground.  In  it  there  was  one  battery  of  artillery, 
which  poured  an  incessant  fire  upon  the  advancing  column,  and  the 
ground  was  irregular,  with  small  clusters  of  pines,  which  afforded  shelter 
to  the  enemy.  The  fire  of  rifles  and  musketry  grew  hotter  and  hotter. 
The  Seventy-ninth,  headed  by  Colonel  Cameron,  charged  across  the 
hill,  and  for  a  short  time  the  contest  was  terrible.  They  rallied  several 
times  under  fire,  but  finally  broke  and  gained  the  cover  of  the  hill. 

This  left  the  field  open  to  the  Xew  York  Sixty-ninth,  Colonel  Corco- 
ran, who,  in  his  turn,  led  his  regiment  over  the  crest,  and  had  in  full 
open  view  the  ground  so  severely  contested.  The  firing  was  terrific, 
the  roar  of  cannon,  musketry,  and  rifles,  incessant.  The  enemy  was 
here  in  immense  force.  The  Sixty-ninth  held  the  ground  for  some  time 
with  desperate  courage,  but  finally  fell  back  in  disorder. 

At  this  time  Quimby's  regiment  occupied  another  ridge  to  the  left, 
overlooking  the  same  field,  fiercely  engaged.  Colonel  Keyes,  from  Ty- 
ler's division,'had  formed  in  line  with  Sherman's  brigade,  and  came  into 
conflict  on  its  right  with  the  enemy's  cavalry  and  infantry,  which  he 
drove  back.  The  further  march  of  the  brigade  was  arrested  by  a 
severe  fire  of  artillery  and  infantry,  sheltered  by  Robinson's  house, 
standing  on  tke  heights  above  the  road  leading  to  Bull  Run.  The 
charge  was  here  ordered,  and  the  Second  Maine  and  Third  Connecticut 
regiments  pressed  forward  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  reached  the  buildings 
which  were  held  by  the  enemy,  drove  them  out,  and  for  a  moment  had 
them  in  possession.  At  this  point,  finding  the  brigade  under  the  fire 
of  a  strong  force  behind  breastworks,  the  order  was  given  to  march  by 
the  left  flank,  with  a  view  to  turn  the  battery  which  the  enemy  had 
placed  on  the  hill  below  the  point  at  which  the  Warrenton  turnpike 
crosses- Bull  Run.  The  march  was  conducted  for  a  considerable  dis- 
tance below  the  Stone  Bridge,  Causing  the  enemy  to  retire,  and  giving 
Captain  Alexander  an  opportunity  to  pass  the  bridge,  cut  out  the 
abatis  which  had  been  placed  there,  and  prepare  the  way  for  Schenck's 
brigade  and  the  two  'batteries  to  pass  over.  Before  this  movement 
could  be  made  on  the  enemy's  battery,  it  was  placed  in  a  new  position  ; 
but  Colonel  Keyes  carried  his  brigade,  by  a  flank  movement,  around 
the  base  of  the  hill,  and  was  on  the  point  of  ascending  it  in  time  to  get 
at  the  battery,  when  he  discovered  that  the  troops  were  on  the  retreat, 
and  that,  unless  a  rapid  movement  to  the  rear  was  made,  he  would  be 
cut  off.    At  this  moment,  the  abatis  near  the  Stone  Bridge  had  been 


110  THE   WAR   FOB  THE   UNION. 

cleared  away  by  Captain  Alexander,  of  the  engineers,  and  Schenck's 
brigade  (the  third  of  Tyler's  division)  was  about  to  pass  over  and 
join  Keyes. 

But  one  rash  movement  liad  decided  tlie  day — that  movement  the 
last  change  of  position  given  to  Grillin's  battery,  throwing  it  help- 
less into  a  murderous  fire,  which  no  protecting  force  could  encounter. 

When  the  Zouaves  broke  on  that  fatal  hill,  the  Union  cause  for  that 
day  wavered.  When  hordes  of  fresh  troops  poured  in  upon  the  Union 
battalions,  beating  back  as  brave  regiments  as  ever  trod  the  battle-field, 
one  after  another,  overwhelming  them  with  numbers,  and  driving 
them  headlong  into  utter  confusion,  the  battle  was  lost ;  and  after  this 
any  description  of  it  must  be  wild  and  turbulent  as  the  scene  itself — in 
no  other  way  can  a  true  picture  of  the  tumultuous  fighting  and  more 
tumultuous  retreat  be  truly  given. 

THE   CLl^SIAX   AND  THE   RETREAT. 

We  have  described  the  battle  of  Manassas,  Stone  Bridge,  or  Bull 
Run,  as  it  is  variously  called,  in  its  plain  details,  giving  each  regiment, 
80  far  as  possible,  its  share  in  the  glorious  fight ;  for  up  to  mid-day  and 
after,  no  braver  fighting  was  ever  done  than  the  Union  troops  per- 
*  fbrmed  on  that  2l8t  of  July.  Now  a  wilder,  more  difficult,  and  very  pain- 
Jiil  effort  taxes  the  pen.  The  heat,  turmoil  and  terrible  storm  of  death 
rolls  up  in  a  tumultuous  picture — troops  in  masses — stormy  action — 
the  confused  rush  of  men — all  these  things  have  no  detail,  but  hurl 
the  writer  forward,  excited  and  unrestrained  as  the  spene  to  be  de- 
scribed. 

At  high  noon  the  battle  raged  in  its  widest  circumference.  The  bat- 
teries on  the  distant  hills  began  to  pour  their  volleys  on  the  Union 
troops  with  terrible  efiect.  Carlisle's  and  Sherman's  batteries  answered 
with  tremendous  emphasis,  while  the  great  32-pounder  hurled  its 
iron  thunderbolts  first  into  one  of  the  enemy's  defences,  then  into 
another,  tearing  up  everything  as  they  Avent.  The  noise  of  the  can- 
nonading grew  deafening,  and  kept  up  one  incessant  roll.  Compared 
to  it  the  sharp  volleys  of  riflemen  were  like  the  rattle  of  hail  amid  the 
loud  bursts  of  a  thunder  tempest.  The  people  of  Centreville,  Fairfax, 
Alexandria,  and  even  Washington,  heard  the  fearful  reverberations, 
and  trembled  at  the  sound. 

Five  powerful  batteries  were  in  operation  at  once,  joined  to  the  hiss 
and  hurtle  of  twenty  thousand  small  arms  !  No  wonder  the  sky  turned 
black,  impalled  with  death-smoke — no  wonder  the  sun  shone  fierce  and 
red  upon  the  pools  of  warm  human  blood  that  began  to  gather  around 
those  batteries,  where  the  slain  were  lying  in  heaps  and  winrows  I 

Still  amid  this  roar  and  carnage,  the  Federal  forces  were  making 


TITE    BATTLE    OF    BULL    RUN.  Ill 

irJ^lieacIwnT,  and  driving  the  enemy  before  them.  Except  one  bri- 
mde  of  Tyler's  division,  the  entire  force  of  eighteen  thousand  men  was 
in  fierce  action.  As  the  Union  forces  pressed  upon  the  enemy,  approach- 
in^T  each  moment  to  the  completion  of  their  plan  of  battle,  the  rebels 
grew  desperate.  The  batteries  on  the  western  hills  poured  forth  their 
iron  tempest  with  accumulated  fury.  The  Union  guns  answered  them 
with  fiercer  thunder.  The  roar  of  the  cannonading  was  deafening, 
drowning  the  volleys  of  riflemen,  and  sweeping  off  in  one  overpower- 
ing sound  the  rattle  and  crash  of  musketry.  The  clamor  of  the  guns 
was  appalling — the  rush  and  tumult  of  action  more  appalling  still.  The 
whole  valley  was  like  a  vast  volcano,  boiling  over  with  dust  and  smoke. 
Through  this  turbid  atmosphere  battalions  charged  each  other  and 
batteries  poured  their  hot  breath  on  the  air,  making  it  denser  than 
before.  Now  and  then  the  dust  would  roll  away  from  the  plain,  and 
the  smoke  float  off  from  the  hills,  revealing  a  dash  of  cavalry  across 
some  open  space,  or  a  charge  of  infantry  up  to  a  fortified  point  where 
the  struggle,  success,  or  repulse,  was  lost  or  vaguely  seen  through  vol- 
umes of  rolling  smoke — columns  of  ruddy  dust  trailed  after  the  infan- 
try, broken  now  and  then  by  the  fiery  track  of  a  battery  masked  in 
foliage.  A  sullen  report,  and  horrid  gaps  appeared  in  what  a  moment 
before  was  a  living  wall  of  men.  A  curl  of  blue  vapor  rose  gracefAlly 
from  the  trees,  and  it  was  only  the  dead  bodies  blackening  the  gromid 
that  made  the  sight  so  awful. 

But  the  fight  gathered  fiercest  on  the  westward  hill,  from  Avhich  the 
booming  thunder  rolled  in  long  incessant  peals.  Its  sides  swarmed 
with  armed  men,  changing  positions,  charging  and  retreating.  Curtains 
of  smoke,  swayed  by  the  wind,  revealed  the  horses  around  a  battery, 
rearing,  plunging  and  falling  headlong,  dozens  together,  in  one  hideous 
death.  Then  in  mercy  the  snxoke  drifted  over  the  hill  again.  The 
enemy  were  giving  ground  at  every  point.  The  Mississippians  had 
fled  in  dismay  from  the  batteries,  and  desperately  taken  to  the  field  in 
wavering  columns.  Other  regiments  were  actually  fleeing  before  the 
Union  troops,  but  they  were  generally  moving  with  sullen  steadiness 
to  the  rear.  The  entire  line  which  arrayed  itself  against  Tyler  in  the 
morning  had  been  relinquished,  except  one  fortified  elevation.  Still 
their  peculiar  mode  of  warfore  was  kept  up.  Masked  batteries  were 
constantly  opening  in  unexpected  places,  leaving  heaps  of  slain  in  the 
track  of  their  fiery  hail. 

On  the  uplands  whole  regiments,  seen  from  the  distance,  seemed  to 
drive  against  or  drift  by  each  other,  leaving  beautiful  curls  and  clouds 
of  smoke  behind ;  but  under  this  smoke  lay  so  many  dead  bodies  that 
the  soul  grew  faint  in  counting  them. 

Through  all  this  the  Federal  troops  progressed  toward  a  union  of 


112  THE  WAR  FOR  TUE  UNION. 

4 

their  attacking  columns.  Tyler  had  already  spoken  to  McDowell,  and 
the  two  forces  were  drawing  nearer  and  nearer  together.  Victory 
appeared  so  certain  that  nothing  but  a  junction  of  the  two  columns  was 
wanting  to  a  glorious  result,  and  this  now  seemed  inevitable. 

The  clamor  of  the  artillery  was  checked  for  a  little  time  on  both 
Bides.  Red-handed  death  cannot  rush  panting  on  the  track  forever. 
Black-mouthed  guns  will  get  too  foul  for  belching  fire,  and  the  swarthy 
men  who  feed  them  must  have  breathing  time.  As  the  fight  flagged, 
and  the  men  paused  to  draw  breath,  their  terrible  suffering  was  appa- 
rent in  the  parched  lips  that  had  tasted  water  but  once  through  all  that 
hot  day,  and  the  bloodshot  eyes  Avith  which  each  man  seemed  to  be- 
seech his  comrade  for  drink  which  no  one  had  to  give.  Still,  with  dry 
lips  and  throats  full  of  dust,  they  talked  over  a  thousand  details  of 
valor  performed  on  the  field.  They  .spoke  sadly  of  the  loss  of  brave 
Cameron,  the  wounding  of  Hunter,  the  fall  of  Ilaggerty  and  Slocum, 
the  doubtful  fate  of  noble  young  Wilcox.  They  discussed  the  impe- 
tuous dash  and  resolute  stand  of  'the  Irishmen,  the  murderous  shock 
sustained  by  the  Rhode  Island  regiments,  how  the  Highlanders  had 
done  justice  to  their  own  Avarlike  traditions,  and  the  Connecticut  Third 
had  crowned  its  State  with  honors.  They  told  how  Heintzelman  had 
stooped  down  from  his  war-horse  to  have  his  wounded  wrist  boimd 
up,  refusing  to  dismount — of  the  intrepid  Burnside,  and  of  Sprague, 
the  patriotic  young  Governor,  who  led  on  the  forces  his  generosity 
had  raised,  to  one  victorious  charge  after  another,  till  with  his  own 
hands  he  spiked  the  Rhode  Island  guns  when  compelled  to  leave  them 
to  the  enemy. 

So  tranquil  was  the  field  during  this  short  period  of  rest,  that  the 
soldiers  who  had  foreborne  to  throw  their  rations  away  in  the  march, 
imslung  their  haversacks  and  sat  down  upon  the  grass  to  share  the 
contents  with  their  less  prudent  companions  ;  those  who  had  been  for- 
tunate enough  to  pick  up  the  enemy's  haversacks,  cast  off  in  retreat, 
added  their  contents  to  the  scanty  store. 

While  a  few  thus  snatched  a  mouthful  of  food,  others  climbed  np 
the  tall  trees  and  took  a  triumphant  view  of  the  vast  battle-field  their 
valor  had  conquered.  The  scene  of  carnage  which  it  presented  was 
awful.  Dead  and  dying  men  heaped  together  on  the  red  earth,-  crip- 
pled horses  struggling  desperately  in  their  death-throes,  wounded  men 
lying  helplessly  on  the  grass  to  which  they  had  been  dragged  from  under 
the  hoofs  of  the  war-chargers — all  this  groujied  where  the  angry  waves 
of  battle  had  rolled  down  the  beautiful  valley,  with  its  back-ground  of 
mountains,  looking  immovable  and  grandly  tranquil  against  the  sky, 
was  a  picture  which  no  man  who  saw  it  will  ever  forget. 

The  army,  far  advanced  within  the  enemy's  defensive  lines,  believ- 


THE    BATTLE    OP   BULL   RUN.  118 

ing  itself  victorious,  was  thus  falling  into  quiet.  The  great  struggle 
of  the  contending  forces,  each  to  outflank  the  other,  had  ceased.  The 
prestige  of  success  belonged  to  the  Union,  whose  stars  and  stripea 
shone  out  triumphantly  as  the  smoke  which  Lad  engulfed  the  combat* 
ants  rolled  away. 

All  at  once  those  in  the  tree-tops  saw  a  commotion  in  the  far  dis- 
tance. Colunms  of  troops  were  moving  toward  them  with  flashing  bayo- 
nets, and  Southern  banners,  unfurling  the  stars  and  bars  to  the  sun. 
On  they  came — rank  after  rank,  column  after  column,  one  continuous 
stream  of  armed  men,  pouring  down  upon  the  battle-field  with  bursts 
of  music  and  wild  shouts  of  enthusiasm. 

It  was  Johnston's  reinforcements,  marching  up  from  the  railroad. 
On  they  rushed,  fresh,  vigorous,  and  burning  with  ardor,  through 
masses  of  wounded  soldiers  that  lay  by  the  road.  The  infantry  broke 
from  the  double-quick  to  a  swift  run — the  cavalry  rode  in  on  a  sharp 
gallop — the  artillery  wagons  were  encircled  with  men  eager  to  get  their 
ordnance  in  place  against  the  thrice-exhausted  Union  troops.  In  a 
continuous  stream  these  columns  swarmed  into  the  woods,  the  greater 
force  centering  around  the  hill  about  which  the  storm  of  battle  had 
raged  fiercest. 

In  an  instant  the  whole  battle  commenced  again.  The  ofiicers  sprang 
to  their  guns,  anxious  but  not  appalled.  The  men  fell  into  rank  ready 
for  a  new  onset,  tired  as  they  were. 

Then  it  was  that  Griffin's  battery  changed  position,  and  the  Fire 
Zouaves  coming  up  under  a  teri-ible  fire,  broke  and  scattered  down  the 
hill-side,  but  rallied  again  in  broken  masses  to  rescuo^Rickett's  battery, 
dragging  the  guns  ofi"  with  their  own  hands  from  amid  the  pile  of 
dying  horses  that  lay  around  them.  Then  it  was  that  the  Sixty-ninth 
and  Seventy-ninth  New  York  swept  through  the  meadows  from  the 
north  across  the  road,  and  charged  up  the  hill  with  such  daring  cour- 
age, resisting  the  shock  of  battle  fifteen  minutes,  and  breaking  only 
when  mortal  valor  could  withstand  the  storm  of  bullets  no  longer. 

Then  the  bold  Connecticut  regiments  charged  up  the  hill.  Thousands 
of  the  impetuous  enemy  fell  upon  them,  but  in  spite  of  all  they  planted 
the  star-spangled  banner  and  sent  its  folds  sweeping  out  from  the  crest 
of  the  hill.  Not  till  this  .was  done,  and  a  long  last  shout  sent  ringing 
after  the  banner,  were  these  heroic  regiments  driven  from  their  posi- 
tion. But  beaten  back  at  last,  they  retired  step  by  step,  fighting  as 
they  went. ' 

Then  the  Zouaves  brdke  into  the  fight  once  more,  scattered  on  the 

aground,   some   prostrate  on  their  faces,  others   with   limbs   huddled 

together  as  if  dead — while  many  stood  with  their  eyes  to  the  sun, 

waiting  the  onset  of  the  Black  Horse  cavalry  that  came  galloping  upon 

8  m 


114  THK   WAR   FOB   THE   UNION. 

them  from  the  woods,  A  few  of  these  eccentric  warriors  were  making 
a  feint  of  defending  themselves  while  the  cavalry  stood  hesitating  on 
the  margin  of  the  wood,  but  the  rest  seemed  to  have  been  cut  down 
by  the  sweep  of  some  deadly  cannonade,  and  lay  in  the  grass  like  a 
flock  of  partridge  shot  down  in  full  flight. 

Out  from  the  woody  cover  the  Black  Hawks  thundered  on,  their 
arras  flashing  and  the  jetty  necks  of  their  horses  flinging  off"  the  sun- 
Bhine.  The  handful  of  Zouaves  now  flocked  together  in  front  of  their 
prostrate  comrades,  seeming  doubtful  whether  to  fight  or  flee.  On  the 
black  chargers  came,  champing  the  bit  and  tossing  their  heads  angrily, 
the  riders  ready  to  trample  the  scattered  Zouaves  under  hoof,  as  too  easy 
a  conquest  for  their  flashing  swords.  A  sudden,  sharp  ringing  yell,  and 
the  dead  Zouaves  sprang  to  life,  confronting  the  horsemen  in  a  wall 
of  bristliiig  steel.  A  sharp  volley — the  horses  reared,  plunged,  and 
ran  back  upon  each  other,  some  falling  dead  with  quivering  limbs  as 
the  fatal  bullets  rent  their  vitals,  and  gushes  of  blood  crimsoned  their 
coal-black  chests ;  others  staggering  from  a  dozen  wounds,  rushed 
madly  through  the  broken  ranks  of  the  terrified  cavalry. 

Before  the  chargers  could  again  be  brought  into  line,  the  Zouaves 
flung  away  their  rifles,  and  sprang  like  tigers  upon  them.  Seizing  them 
by  the  bit,  they  wound  themselves  up  over  their  arched  necks — a  flash 
of  bowie-knives  gleamed  like  chain-lightning  across  the  ranks,  and 
many  a  wild  black  horse  plunged  on  riderless  with  burning  eyes,  stream- 
ing mane,  and  ringing  empty  stirrups,  headlong  through  the  already 
half-disorganized  ranks,  and  scouring  over  the  battle-Held,  scattering 
dismay  as  they  w«it, 

A  last  struggle  now  ensued,  with  desperate  men  and  broken  forces — 
then  a  retreat,  so  wild,  so  impetuous  and  reckless,  that  all  organization 
was  given  up.  Regiments  lost  their  officers,  broke,  mingled  into  other*, 
and  rushed  across  the  field  a  headlong  torrent,  which  no  human  power 
could  arrest.  On  they  went,  plunging  through  the  sea  of  carnage  that 
surrounded  the  hill — the  surging,  angry  broken  waves  of  a  brave  army 
hurrying  tumultuously  from  what  had  been  a  victorious  field  but  an 
hour  before. 

Down  from  the  hills,  broken  into  frightened  masses,  pallid,  reeling 
with  exhaustion,  they  swept  onward  like  a  whirlwind,  bearing  the  pro- 
testing officers  with  them,  or  trampling  them  under  foot ;  for  human 
life  was  nothing  to  them  in  that  hot,  mad  race.  The  contagion  of 
retreat  spread  like  a  prairie  fire,  from  one  point  of  the  battle-field  to 
another,  scattering  the  army  in  wild  confusion-. 

Still  it  was  not  quite  a  panic  ;  two  regiments,  the  Seventy-first  New 
York  and  Second  Rhode  Island,  kept  their  ranks  in  all  this  confusion, 
and  were  led  in  order  from  the  field,  over  the  road  they  had  passed  in 


THE    BATTLE    OF   BULL   BUN. 


115 


the  morning.  Other  regiments  were  led  off  in  a  wild,  scattered  way, 
but  most  of  the  great  army  was  broken  up,  battalions  and  regiments 
surging  together,  and  dashing  through  each  other,  till  they  became 
one  mighty  scene  of  confusion. 


THE   ENEMY   LARGELY   EKINFORCED — DESPERATE   nGUTINQ    OF   THE   UNION   TBOOFa 
AGAINST    SUPERIOR    NUMBERS, 


The  enemy  pursued  them  in  a  broken,  hesitating  way,  like  men  aston- 
ished at  their  own  success ;  wanting  confidence,  they  did  not  venture  in 
force  to  follow  the  retreating  army,  but  captured  many  of  the  scattered 
bands  dispersed  over  the  wide  field  of  conflict.  One  detachment  of 
cavalry  charged  on  a  helpless  crowd  of  wounded,  who  were  gathered 
near  a  hospital  building ;  when  a  handful  of  unorganized  men,  mostly 
civilians,  seized  upon  the  first  weapons  at  hand,  and  repelled  it  bravely. 

Up  to  this  time  Schenck's  brigade  had  kept  its  position  at  Stone 
Bridge.  Captain  Alexander,  with  his  sappers  and  miners,  had  jugt 
cut  through  the  abatis  by  the  side  of  the  mined  bridge,  that  Schenck 
might  lead  his  forces  after  those  of  Sherman  and  Keyes,  when 
the  torrent  of  retreat  rolled  toward  him ;  his  protecting  battery  wa« 
taken,  and  a  force  of  cavalry  and  infantry  came  pouring  into  the  road 
at  the  very  spot  where  the  battle  of  the  morning  commenced. 

The  first  battery  attacked  tl  at  day  had  been  silenced,  but  not  taken ; 


116  THE    WAE   FOR   THE   UKION. 

and  there,  in  the  woods  which  protected  it,  four  hundred  Sonth  Caro- 
luiians  had  been  concealed  during  the  entire  battle,  to  swarm  out  now 
and  fall  upon  the  Union  infantry  in  this  most  critical  moment.  A  sud- 
den swoop  of  cavalry  completed  that  unhappy  day's  work.  The  Union 
infantry  broke  ranks,  and  plunging  into  the  woods  fled  up  the  hill.  A 
crowd  of  ambulances  and  army  wagons  had  concentrated  close  to  this 
spot,  and  civilians,  led  to  the  field  by  curiosity,  blocked  up  the  ground. 
The  panic  which  had  swept  the  battle-field  seized  on  them.  Kellogg 
of  Michigan,  Washburne  of  Illinois,  and  it  is  said,  Lovejoy  of  Illinois, 
flung  themselves  m  the  midst  of  the  fugitives,  and  entreated  them  to 
make  a  stand.  Ely,  of  New  York,  was  taken  prisoner  in  a  rash  effort 
to  restore  confidence  to  the  panic  stricken  masses  of  men.  But  the 
maddened  crowd  plunged  on.  The  teamsters  urged  their  frightened 
horses  into  a  headlong  rush  for  the  road ;  everything  and  everybody, 
br.ive  or  craven,  were  swept  forward  by  the  irresistible  human  torrent. 
It  was  a  stampede  which  no  power  could  check  or  resist.  From  the 
branch  road  the  trains  attached  to  Hunter's  division  had  caught  the 
contagion,  and  rushed  into  the  staggering  masses,  creating  fresh  dismay 
and  wilder  confusion. 

It  was  a  frightful  scene,  more  terrible  by  far  than  the  horrors  of  the 
battle  field.  Broken  regiments,  without  leaders,  filled  the  road,  the 
open  fields,  and  skirted  the  fences,  in  one  wild  panic.    Army  wagons, 

fitler's  teams  and  artillery  caissons  rushed  together,  running  each  other 
own,  and  leaving  the  wrecks  upon  the  road.  Hacks  were  crushed  be- 
tween heavy  wagon  wheels  and  their  occupants  flung  to  the  ground. 
Horses,  wild  with  fright  and  maddened  with  wounds,  galloped  fiercely 
through  the  crowd,  rearing  and  plunging  when  the  worn-out  fugitives 
attempted  to  seize  them  and  save  themselves  from  the  destruction  that 
was  threatened  at  every  step. 

Wounded  men,  who  had  found  strength  to  stagger  off"  the  battle-field, 
fell  by  the  wayside,  begging  piteously  to  be  taken  up.  Now  and  then 
a  kind  fellow  would  mount  a  wounded  soldier  behind  him,  and  give  tho 
horse  be  had  caught  a  double  load;  most  of  the  poor  fellows  were 
brought  forward  in  this  way.  Sometimes  a  wounded  man  would  bo 
picked  up  by  two  passing  companions,  and  carried  tenderly  forward — 
for  the  sweet  impulses  of  humanity  were  not  all  lost  in  that  wild  retreat. 
Then  came  the  artillery — for  much  was  saved — thundering  through 
the  panic-stricken  crowd,  crushing  every  tiling  as  it  went,  dragged  reck- 
lessly along  by  horses  wild  as  the  men  that  urged  them  on.  Rifles, 
bayonets,  pistols,  blankets,  haversacks  and  knapsacks  were  flung  singly 
or  in  heaps  along  the  way.  Devoured  by  intense  thirst,  black  with 
powder,  famished  and  halting,  these  stricken  men  plunged  into  the 
fields,  searching  for  water.    If  a  muddy  pool  presented  itself,  they  8t,ag- 


THB   BATTLE   OF   BULL   EUK.  117 

gered  to  its  brink  with  a  pitiful  laugh,  and  lying  down  on  their  faces, 
drank  greedily,  then  arose  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  thanking  God  for 
the  great  luxury. 

As  they  passed  by  the  few  houses  on  the  road,  women — God  bless 
them ! — would  come  out,  some  with  curt,  but  genuine  hospitality, 
others  with  tears  streaming  down  their  cheeks,  and  gave  drink  and 
food  to  the  wounded  men  as  they  halted  by.  Those  who  fell  upon 
the  wayside  were  taken  in  and  tended  kindly  till  the  next  day.  Boys 
came  from  the  wells,  bearing  pailsful  of  water,  which  their  little  sisters 
distributed  to  the  jaded  men  in  their  own  tin  cups. 

But  this  panic,  like  all  others,  was  of  brief  duration.-  When  the 
fuo-itives  reached  Centreville,  they  found  Blenker's  brigade  stretched 
across  the  road  ready  to  guard  the  retreat.  Some  of  the  fugitives  ral- 
lied and  formed  into  line,  but  they  had  flung  away  their  arms,  and  the 
highway  from  Stone  Bridge  to  Centreville  was  literally  covered  with 
these  cast-off  weapons  and  munitions  of  war,  hurled  from  the  army 
wagons  by  reckless  teamsters.  In  places  the  road  was  blocked  up 
by  the  wagons  themselves,  from  which  the  drivers  had  cut  their  teams 
loose  and  fled  on  the  relieved  horses. 

Blenker,  of  Miles'  division,  whose  duty  up  to  this  time  had  been  one 
of  inaction  at  Centreville,  now  did  good  service  at  his  important  post 
With  three  regiments  he  kept  the  road,  expecting  every  moment  to  be 
assailed  by  an  overpowering  and  victorious  enemy,  eager  to  complete 
his  fatal  work.  As  the  darkness  increased,  the  peril  of  his  position  be- 
came imminent.  At  eleven  o'clock  the  attack  came  upon  the  advance 
company  of  Colonel  Stahel's  rifles,  from  a  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry, 
which  was,  however,  driven  back,  and  did  not  return.  At  this  time 
IJichardson  and  Davies  were  both  in  Centreville  with  their  brigades, 
which  composed  the  entire  left  wing,  all  well  organized  and  under  per- 
fect command.  These  troops  were  put  under  the  command  of  Colonel 
Davies,  who  led  them  off  the  field— Blenker's  brigade  being»the  last  to 
leave  the  town  it  had  done  so  much  to  protect. 

The  cause  of  this  stupendous  stampede  no  one  ever  has  or  can  ex- 
plain. Cowardice  it  certainly  was  not.  Those  men  had  fought  too 
bravely,  and  suffered  too  patiently  for  that  charge  to  be  brought  against 
them.  They  were  in  fact  victorious  soldiers,  for  the  rout  of  a  single 
half  hour,  disastrous  as  it  proved,  should  have  no  power  to  blot  out  the 
deeds  of  heroism  that  had  marked  the  entire  day.  Was  it  excitement, 
acting  on  an  exhausted  frame  ? 

Let  those  answer  who  bore  the  flag  of  our  Union  through  the  long 
hours  of  that  July  day,  carried  it  under  the  hot  sim  through  the  fierce 
fight,  the  dust  and  smoke  and  carnage,  when  the  sky  was  one  mosaic 
of  flame,  and  the  earth  groaned  under  the  vibrations  of  artiUery.    They 


118  THE  WAi  FOR  THE  UNIOIT. 

had  marched  twelve  miles  fasting,  and  with  but  one  draught  of  water ; 
marched  without  pause  straight  on  to  the  battle  field,  and  for  nearly 
five  hours  fought  bravely  .as  men  ever  fought  on  earth.  Slany  who 
had  food  found  no  time  to  eat  it  till  the  battle  was  at  its  close,  but  in 
the  rash  eagerness  for  the  field,  these  men,  new  to  the  necessities  of 
war,  had  flung  their  rations  away,  restive  under  the  weight.  They  had 
started  not  far  from  midnight,  from  camps  in  a  tumult  of  preparation, 
and  therefore  lacked  sleep  as  well  as  food. 

To  all  this  was  added  thirst — that  hot,  withering  thirst,  which  burns 
like  lava  in  the  throat,  and  drives  a  man  mad  with  craving.  Panting 
for  drink,  their  parched  lips  were  blackened  with  gunpowder ;  and  ex- 
hausted nature,  when  she  clamored  for  food,  was  answered  by  the  bit- 
tor  saltness  of  cartridges  ground  between  the  soldiers'  teeth. 

Think  of  these  men,  famished,  sleepless,  drinkless,  after  fighting 
through  the  fiery  noon  of  a  hot  day,  suddenly  overwhelmed  in  the 
midst  of  a  positive  victory — called  upon  to  fight  another  battle,  while 
every  breath  came  pantingly,  from  thirst,  and  every  nerve  quivered  with 
the  overtax  of  its  natural  strength.  Think  of  them  under  the  hoofs  of 
the  Black  Horse  cavalry,  and  swept  down  by  the  very  batteries  that 
had  been  their  protection.  Think  of  all  this,  and  if  men  of  military 
standing  can  condemn  them,  war  is  a  cruel  master,  and  warriors  hard 
critics. 

It  is  very  easy  for  civilians,  who  sit  in  luxurious  parlors  and  sip  cool 
ices  under  the  protection  of  the  old  flag,  to  sneer  at  this  panic  of  Bull 
Run,  but  many  a  brave  man — ^braver  than  their  critics,  or  they  would 
not  have  been  in  the  ranks — was  foimd  even  in  the  midst  of  that 
stampede. 

What  if  all  along  the  road  were  the  marks  of  hurried  flight — aban- 
doned teams,  dead  horses,  wasted  ammunition,  coats,  blankets  ?  Were 
there  not  dead  and  dying  men  there  also  ?  brave  and  hardy  spirits, 
noble,  gegerous  souls,  crushed  beneath  the  iron  hoof  of  war — sacrificed 
and  dying  bravely  in  retreat,  as  they  had  fought  in  the  advance  ? 

Never  on  this  earth  did  the  proud  old  American  valor  burn  fiercer  or 
swell  higher  than  on  that  day  and  field.  And  a  reproach  to  the  heroes 
who  left  the  impress  of  bravery,  and  gave  up  their  lives  on  that  red  val- 
ley, should  never  come  from  any  true  American  heart. 

THE   BATTLE   ON  THE   LEFT  WING. 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  according  to  McDowell's  plan  of  battle, 
the  left  wing,  composed  of  Colonel  Miles'  division,  M'as  stationed  at 
Centreville  and  at  Blackburn's  Ford,  the  scene  of  Tyler's  disaster  on  the 
1-eth.  Thus  during  the  heat  and  struggle  of  that  awful  day  the  greater 
portion  of  the  left  wing  was  six  miles  from  the  centre  of  action.     But 


THE   BATTLE   OF   BULL   EUN.  119 

notwithstanding,  no  better  service  was  rendered  to  the  country  on  that 
day  than  that  of  this  comparatively  small  handful  of  men.  The  first 
brigade  of  this  command,  under  Colonel  Blenker,  occupied  the  heights 
of  Centreville.  »  , 

The  second  brigade,  under  Colonel  Thomas  A.  Davies,  of  New  York, 
and  Richardson's  brigade,  were  ordered  by  Colonel  Miles  to  take  posi- 
tion before  the  batteries  at  Blackburn's  Ford,  near  the  battle  ground  of 
the  18th,  to  make  demonstrations  of  attack.  In  pursuance  of  General 
McDowell's  order.  Colonel  Davies,  being  ranking  officer,  took  command 
of  Richardson's  brigade. 

On  his  route  from  Centreville  in  the  morning,  when  about  half-way 
to  Blackburn's  Ford,  Colonel  Davies,  while  conversing  with  the  guide 
who  rode  by  him,  saw  a  country  road,  apparently  little  used,  leading 
through  the  woods  to  the  left.  "  That  road,"  said  the  guide,  a  fine,  in- 
telhgent  fellow,  "  will  give  position  farther  left  and  nearer  the  enemy, 
for  it  runs  directly  to  Beauregard's  headquarters." 

Colonel  Davies,  who  had  graduated  at  West  Point  and  served  in  the 
Mexican  war,  was  prompt  to  recognize  the  importance  of  a  point  which 
might  enable  the  enemy  to  move  upon  his  rear.  He  ordered  a  halt, 
^nd  detailed  the  Thirty-first  New  York  regiment.  Colonel  Pratt,  and 
the  Thirty-second,  Colonel  Mathewson,  with  a  detachment  of  artillery, 
to  guard  the  road  at  its  junction,  and  deployed  another  regiment  with 
a  section  of  artillery  on  the  road,  which  was  shaded  and  hedged  in  on 
both  sides  by  a  heavy  growth  of  timber. 

This  duty  performed,  the  troops  continued  their  march.  Davies  took 
his  position  in  a  wheat  field  with  what  was  left  of  his  brigade,  leaving 
Richardson  to  make  his  own  arrangements  to  defend  the  position  in  front 
of  the  enemy's  batteries  at  Blackburn's  Ford,  the  battle-ground  of  the 
18th."  Richardson  posted  his  command  in  this  place,  on  the  road  from 
Centreville  heights  to  Blackburn's  Ford. 

The  wheat  field  which  Davies  occupied  contained  a  hill  which  over- 
looked a  ravine,*ffiickly  wooded,  on  the  opposite  slope.  On  this  hill 
Hunt's  battery,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Edwards,  was  placed,  having 
been  exchanged  from  force  of  circumstances  for  Green's  battery,  which 
belonged  to  Davies'  command,  but  was  now  with  Richardson.  The  bat- 
tery was  supported  by  Davies'  own  regiment,  the  Sixteenth  New  York, 
and  the  Eighteenth,  Colonel  Jackson.  This  hill  commanded  a  broad 
view  of  the  country  on  every  side.  The  battle  ground  of  the  right 
wing,  six  miles  off,  was  in  full  sight.  Opposite  his  position,  across  the 
stream,  was  the  road  which  led  from  Bull  Run  to  Manassas,  and  also  to 
Beauregard's  extreme  right.  Parallel  with  the  river  to  his  extreme  left, 
it  was  plainly  traced,  except  where  groves  and  clumps  of  trees  con- 
cealed it.    This  road,  with  all  the  high  grounds  sloping  from  Manassas, 


120  THB   WAR   FOB  THE   UNION. 

covered  with  broken"  ridges,  rich  pasture  lands  and  splendid  groves, 
lay  before  the  men  as  they  placed  their  battery. 

On  their  rear  tlie  Centreville  road  stretched  along  a  beautiful  tract  of 
country,  hidden  by  a»waving  sea  of  luxuriant  fbliage.  Indeed  all  the 
converging  roads  that  threaded  the  vast  battle-field  were  plainly  visible 
from  that  point. 

Posted  in  this  commanding  position,  Davies  opened  his  demonstration 
with  two  twenty-pound  rifle  guns  from  Hunt's  battery.  The  first  shot 
hurled  a  shell  into  Beauregard's  headquarters,  which  sent  the  rebels  scat- 
tering in  eVery  direction.  Richardson  also  commenced  firing  across  the 
Run,  producing  the  desired  effect  of  keeping  the  enemy  at  their  defences 
in  the  neighborhood. 

At  ten  o'clock  Colonel  Miles  visited  the  command.  Finding  the  two 
regiments  and  artillery  posted  at  the  country  road,  he  ordered  the 
regiments  to  move  forward  one-fourth  of  a  mile,  and  the  artillery  to 
join  Davies'  command,  leaving  the  road  exposed.  He  then  sent  two 
companies  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's  position.  They  had  a  skirmish 
on  the  stream,  at  Blackburn's  Ford,  and  came  back  with  little  damage. 

The  moment  Miles  rode  back  to  Centreville,  Davies  ordered  out  his 
brigade  pioneer  corps,  all  sturdy  lumbermen  of  the  North,  with  orders 
to  fell  trees  and  block  up  the  country  road  thus  left  exposed. 

For  two  hours  these  sturdy  men  sAvnng  their  axes  among  the  heavy 
timber,  answering  the  distant  roar  of  the  battle-field  with  a  wild,  crash- 
ing music,  that  broke  with  a  new  and  more  startling  expression  of  war 
through  the  familiar  roll  of  cannon.  With  sharp,  crashing  groans,  the 
great  trees  were  hurled  to  the  earth,  locked  their  splintered  and  broken 
boughs  across  the  road,  and  covered  it  with  mangled  foliage,  forming  a 
barricade  one-fourth  of  a  mile  long,  impassable  as  a  thousand  cactus 
hedges.  The  roar  of  cannon  afar  off,  and  the  batteries  belching  iron 
close  by,  failed  to  drown  the  groaning  rush  of  these  forest  monarchs ;  and 
when  the  near  guns  were  silent  for  a  little  time,  as  often  happened,  the 
almost  human  shiver  of  a  tree,  in  its  last  poise  before  it  rushed  downward 
with  a  wail  in  all  its  leaves  and  branches,  conveyed  an  idea  of  death 
more'^thrilling  than  any  noise  that  battle-field  had  to  give.  At  twelve 
o'clock,  just  after  the  pioneers  had  returned  to  position,  a  body  of  the 
enemy  came  down  this  road  from  Bull  Run,  intending  to  march  on  Cen- 
tre^'ille  and  take  Miles'  division  in  the  rear.  Clouds  of  red  dust  rising 
from  the  trees  betrayed  them  just  as  they  had  discovered  the  barricade, 
and  a  storm  of  shell  and  shrapnel  hastened  their  backward  march. 

About  this  time  the  road  on  the  other  side  of  Bull  Rim  was  one  cloud 
of  flying  dust.  It  was  Johnston's  forces,  a  close  line,  going  up  to 
snatch  victory  from  the  brave  army  at  Stone  Bridge.  The  advance  of 
these  forces  became  ^  isible  at  first  in  tiny  curls  of  dust  rising  from  the 


THB   BATTLE    OF   BULL   RUN.  121 

woods.  Then  it  swelled  into  clouds,  through  which  jaded  horses  and 
tired  men  seemed  struggling  onward  in  a  continued  stream. 

At  this  time  the  distant  cannonading  became  louder  and  more  contin- 
uous ;  the  far-oflf  woods  rolled  up  vast  volumes  of  smoke,  and  where  the 
battle  raged,-a  black  canopy  hung  suspended  in  mid-air.  How  those 
brave  men,  chained  to  their  post  by  inevitable  military  law,  panted  to 
plunge  into  that  hot  contest !  The  inaction  forced  upon  them  when  a 
struggle  of  life  and  death  was  going  on  in  the  distance,  was  worse  than 
torture.  They  suspected. the  character  of  those  troops  moving  forward 
in  the  red  cloud,  and  followed  them  with  eager,  burning  eyes.  But 
they  soon  had  work  of  their  own  to  do  ! 

The  firing  on  the  right  slackened  between  three  and  four  o'clock,  grow- 
ing fainter  and  fainter.  About  five,  Colonel  Davies  received  a  line  from 
Richardson,  saying :  "  The  army  is  in  full  retreat ;"  but  the  line  was 
written  in  the  haste  and  agitation  of  bad  news,  and  was  indistinct. 
Davies  read  it :  "  The  enemy  is  in  full  retreat,"  But  for  this  providen- 
tial mistake,  the  battle  of  that  day  would  have  had  a  darker  record  than 
we  are  making  now  ;  for  the  retreat,  disastrous  as  it  was,  would  have 
been  cut  oK,  and  Washington  probably  taken. 

Believing  the  anny  victorious,  these  brave  men  bore  the  restraints  of 
their  position  more  patiently,*but  still  panted  for  a  share  in  the  work. 

At  this  time  Beauregard's  telegraph,  opposite  the  left  of  Davies'  posi- 
tion, had  been  working  half  an  hour ;  and  from  lines  of  dust  concentrat- 
ing there  and  at  Davies'  front,  he  anticipated  an  attack,  and  made  dis- 
position accordingly. 

At  five  o'clock,  the  enemy  appeared  on  the  left,  as  Davies  formed  in 
line  parallel  to  Bull  Run,  and  about  eight  hundred  yards  distant.  Be- 
tween the  hill  which  he  occupied,  and  the  slope  down  which  they  came 
from  the  road,  was  the  valley  or  ravine,  about  four  hundred  yards  from 
Hunt's  battery. 

They  filed  down  the  road  and  formed  in  the  valley,  marching  four 
abreast,  with  their  guns  at  right  shoulder  shift,  shining  like  a  ripple  of 
diamonds  in  the  sunshine,  and  moving  forward  in  splendid  style. 

At  first  Davies  viewed  them  in  silence,  and  standing  still ;  but  as 
the  column  began  to  fill  the  valley,  he  changed  front  to  the  left,  and 
ordered  the  artillery  to  withhold  its  fire  till  the  rear  of  the  enemy's 
column  presented  itself,  and  directed  the  infantry  to  He  down  on  their 
faces,  and  neither  fire  nor  look  up  without  orders.  This  was  done  that 
the  enemy  might  not  learn  his  strength  and  charge  on  the  battery. 

The  rear  of  the  column  at  last  presented  itself,  an  officer  on  horse- 
back bringing  it  up.  Then  an  order  to  fire  was  given,  and  Lieutenant 
Benjamin,  a  brave  young  fellow  from  West  Point,  fired  the  first  shot 
from  a  twenty-pound  rifled  gun. 


122  THE  WAR  FOB  IHB  UiaOX. 

A  uloud  of  dust,  with  a  horse  rearing,  and  its  rider  struggling  in  the 
midst,  was  all  the  result  that  could  be  observed.  The  rear  of  the 
enemy's  column  then  took  the  double-quick  down  the  valley,  and  six 
pieces  of  artillery  opened  on  them.  The  effect  was  terrible ;  at  the 
distance  of  only  four  hundred  yards,  the  enemy  took  the  raking 
downward  fire  in  all  its  fury.  An  awful  cry  rang  up  from  the  valley ; 
the  men  had  been  swept  down  like  wheat  before  a  scythe,  and  their 
moans  filled  the  air. 

This  murderous  fire  was  repeated  over  and  over  again.  There  was 
no  waiting  to  swab  the  guns,  but,  fast  as  powder  and  ball  could  be 
served,  the  ordnance  sent  out  its  volleys.  The  enemy  made  a  desperate 
stand,  but  every  shot  swept  down  the  men  in  masses.  A  vacant  space 
appeared  for  a  moment,  then  fresh  men  filed  in.  Twice  they  attempted 
to  reform  and  charge  the  battery,  but  the  rapidity  with  which  the 
pieces  were  served,  and  the  peculiar  nature  of  the  ground,  rendered 
every  shot  effective,,  and  they  were  swept  back,  cut  down,  speedily  dis- 
organized, and  fled  for  the  woods. 

During  all  this  action,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Marsh,  of  the  Sixteenth, 
and  Colonel  Pratt,  of  the  Thirty-first  (the  former  since  killed,  and  the 
latter  wounded  before  Richmond),  controlled  their  men  perfectly.  Not 
an  infantry  shot  Avas  fired  during  the  Engagement.  Balls  from  the 
enemy  struck  the  ground  in  volleys  before  the  men,  filling  their  eyes 
with  dust.  No  man  gave  way ;  they  were  compelled  to  change  posi- 
tion three  times  during  the  fight.  Although  so  many  of  the  enemy  were 
killed,  this  spot  being  named,  in  the  secession  reports,  as  giving  the 
heaviest  mortality  of  the  day,  only  two  men  of  Davies'  command  were 
hurt.  One  man  was  wounded,  anH.  Lieutenant  Craig,  a  brave  young 
officer  from  West  Point,  was  killed. 

This  brilliant  engagement,  so  important  in  its  results,  sprang  out  of  a 
singular  series  of  accidents:  first,  in  the  mistake  made  in  reading 
Richardson's  dispatch,  and  again  in  a  failure  of  orders.  When  the 
main  army  began  its  retreat  past  Centreville,  at  four  o'clock.  Colonel 
Miles  sent  his  aid.  Captain  Vincent,  to  order  Davies  and  his  command 
back  to  Centreville,  but  Vincent,  instead  of  coming  first  to  Davies, 
stopped  to  give  orders  to  Richardson,  and  two  regiments  of  Davies' 
brigade,  stationed  to  guard  his  rear.  After  ordering  Richardson  back, 
Vincent  came  over  the  ravine  to  deliver  his  orders  to  Davies,  when  he 
heard  his  firing  on  the  extreme  left,  went  back  to  Centreville,  to  re- 
port, and  returned  just  as  the  firing  ceased,  to  direct  Colonel  Davies  to 
retire  on  Centreville. 

Davies,  ignorant  that  Richardson  had  already  fallen  back,  rode  over 
to  order  his  retreat,  but  to  his  astonishment,  almost  horror,  found  that 
the  whole  brigade,  with  two  regiments  of  his  own  forceC^left  to  guard 


THE   BATTLE    OF    BULL    RUN.  123 

his  rear,  had  been  gone  a  full  hour.  Thus  it  happened  \/iat  this  im- 
portant engagement  had  been  fought  and  won  with  a  single  battery  and 
two  regiments  of  infantry,  utterly  alone  and  unsupported  on  the  de- 
serted battle-field,  against  a  large  body  of  men,  endeavoring  to  sweep 
to  the  rear  and  cut  off  the  army  in  its  retreat. 

It  was  near  six  o'clock  when  this  contest  terniinated — two  hours  after 
the  main  army  were  in  full  retreat.  If  ever  delay  and  accident  were 
providential  on  this  earth,  it  was  l^re ;  for  brave  as  these  men  were,  no 
sane  leader  would  have  felt  justified  in  exposing  them  to  such  peril 
upon  a  deserted  battle-field,  and  in  the  face  of  a  whole  victorious  army, 
after  all  chance  of  protection  had  been  withdrawn. 

When  this  band  of  victorious  men  reached  Centreville,  a  stream  of 
jaded,  wounded  and  heavy-hearted  men  were  pouring  through  the  vil- 
lage, while  General  McDowell  was  making  a  desperate  eifort  to  collect 
all  the  troops  that  still  kept  a  show  of  organization,  under  his  own  com- 
mand. These  troops  were  principally  cornposed  of  the  left  wing,  which 
came  ofi"  the  ground  in  good  order.  McDowell,  about  eight  o'clock, 
left  Centreville  for  Fairfax  Court  House.  Before  going  Colonel  Miles 
was  relieved  from  his  command  of  the  left  wing,  and  the  following 
order,  written  on  the  back  of  a  visiting  card,  was  handed  to  Colonel 
Davies : 

Colonel  Davies  is  consigned  to  the  command  of  the  left  wing,  as  the 
troops  are  now  formed.     By  command, 

J.  B.  Fey,  a.  a.  g. 
July  21. 

Under  this  running  order  Colonel  Davies  assumed  command  of  all 
that  was  left  of  the  army  in  Centreville,  and  marched  them  in  good 
order  to  Alexandria  and  Washington,  Blenker's  division  being  the  last 
to  leave  the  field.  This  gallant  oflScer  had  been  among  the  bravest  and 
most  resolute  in  protecting  the  retreat,  and  had  by  his  firmness  held  the 
enemy  in  check  during  the  afternoon  and  evening. 

THE   BATTLE-FIELD   AT   JflGHT. 

At  night  the  calm  air,  the  gently  falling  dew,  visited  that  blasted 
earth  sweetly  as  they  had  done  the  night  before,  when  the  valley  was 
fresh  with  verdure  and  beautiful  with  thrifty  crops.  But  the  scene  it 
presented  was  O,  how  different !  In  mercy  the  deep  shadows  cast  by 
the  Avoods  concealed  its  worst  features,  and  the  smoke  had  risen  so 
densely  between  earth  and  sky  that  the  moon  looked  down  upon  it 
mournfully,  through  a  veil.  The  battle-field  was  still,  save  when  the 
solemn  shiver  of  the  leaves  came  Uke  a  painful  and  mighty  sigh,  or  the 


124  THE   WAIl   FOR   TUB    UNION". 

troubled  waves  of  the  Run  continued  it  in  hoarser  murmurs.  If  human 
moans  broke  the  stiUness,  they  were  lost  on  that  vast  field,  and  only 
heard  by  the  pitying  angels. 

But  solitary  lights  wandered  over  the  field,  like  stars  dropped  by  a 
merciful  heaven  to  light  the  departing  souls  through  the  valley  and 
shadow  of  death.  They  were  indeed  heavenly  rays,  for  all  that  is 
divine  in  human  mercy  sent  them  forth.  Kind  men,  and  more  than 
one  heroic  woman  carried  them  from  point  to  point  over  that  dreary 
battle-field,  searching  among  the  dead  for  those  who,  breathing  yet, 
might  suffer  for  water  or  Cliristian  comfort. 

There  was  a  house  on  the  hill  top  where  Griffin's  battery  had  stood, 
and  where  the  Connecticut  troops  had  planted  the  stars  and  stripes  in 
their  last  desperate  charge.  Through  all  the  fight,  a  helpless  and 
frightened  family  had  found  precarious  shelter  in  their  own  dwelling. 
The  household  was  composed  of  a  son,  a  daughter,  and  the  mother,  a 
gentle  Christian  Avoman,  who  had  been  confined  to  her  bed  for  years. 
There  was  no  hopes  of  flight  for  her,  poor  soul,  and  neither  son  nor 
daughter  would  abandon  her  when  the  storm  of  battle  was  at  their 
threshold.  Hoping  to  find  a  place  of  safety,  the  devoted  children 
carried  her  to  a  neighboring  ravine,  sheltering  her  with  their  own 
persons. 

But  this  spot  became  at  last  more  dangerous  than  the  house.  So 
the  harassed  children  took  their  parent  back  to  her  home,  and  placing 
her  in  bed  again,  stood  to  screen  her  from  the  bullets  that  broke  like 
hail  through  the  walls  and  windows.  While  her  house  was  riddled 
with  cannon  balls  and  musket  shot,  and  the  missiles  of  death  plunged 
through  her  chamber  and  into  her  bed,  three  bullets  pierced  her  frail 
person.  Still  she  outlived  the  battle  tempest  that  raged  around  her,  a 
tempest  that  she  had  not  even  dreamed  of  approaching  her  dwelling 
when  that  fatal  day  daAvned  upon  it.  When  the  night  came  on  she  died 
peacefully,  and  the  troubled  moon  looked  down  on  a  mournful  scene 
here  also.  Within  the  riddled  walls  and  under  the  torn  roof,  this 
gentle  woman  lay,  in  a  quieter  sleep  than  she  had  known  for  many  a 
long  night,  and  by  her  bed  knelt  the  bereaved  children  who  had  dared 
so  much,  weeping  that  a  life  so  peaceful  should  have  met  that  violent 
ending.  Painful  as  this  was,  there  lay  many  poor  soldiers  on  the  field 
that  hour,  Avhose  children  would  never  have  the  privilege  of  weeping 
over  them. 

In  an  orchard  of  young  trees,  just  forming  their  fruit,  lay  many  a  pros- 
trate Southron,  sent  to  his  long  account ;  for  the  enemy  had  suQ*ered 
terribly  there.  The  northern  verge  of  the  field  was  blackened  by  a 
fine  grove  in  which  a  Georgia  regiment  had  fought,  and  under  its  black 
shadows  the  dead  lay  thick  and  numerous.    Here  Lamar  had  fallen. 


THE    BATTLE    OF    BULL    RUN.  125 

and  many  a  brave  Northman  slept  side  by  side  with  the  foe  he  had 
sent  into  eternity  but  a  moment  in  advance  of  himself.  The  fatal  hill, 
scorched  and  blackened  in  every  tree  and  blade  of  grass,  was  strewn 
with  the  dead  of  both  sections,  among  them  some  of  the  bravest 
leaders  that  the  enemy  boasted. 

There  have  been  rumors  of  great  cruelty  on  the  battle-field  after  the 
fight  was  over — of  men  prowling  like  fiends  among  the  dead,  and 
murdering  the  wounded ;  but  these  things  should  be  thrice  proven 
before  we  believe  them  of  American  citizens.  Rumor  is  always  triple- 
tongued,  and  human  nature  does  not  become  demoniac  in  a  single  hour. 
One  thing  is  certain,  many  an  act  of  merciful  kindness  was  performed 
that  night,  which  an  honest  «^en  should  prefer  to  record.  Certain  it 
is  that  Southern  soldiers  in'  many  instances  shared  their  water — the 
most  precious  thing  they  had — with  the  wounded  Union  men.  A  sol- 
dier passing  over  the  field  found  two  wounded  combatants  lying 
together — one  was  a  New  Yorker,  the  other  a  Georgian.  The  poor 
wounded  fellow  from  New  York  cried  out  piteously  for  water,  and  the 
Georgian,  gathering  up  his  strength,  called  out :  "  For  God's  sake  give 
him  drink  ;  for  I  called  on  a  New  York"  man  for  water  when  his  column 
was  in  retreat,  and  he  ran  to  the  trench  at  the  risk  of  his  life  and 
brought  it  to  me  !" 

One  brave  young  enemy  lost  his  life  after  passing  through  all  the 
perils  of  the  battle,  in  attempting  to  procure  drink  for  his  wounded  foes. 

If  there  were  individual  instances  of  cruelty  on  either  side,  and  this 
is  possible — let  us  remember  that  there  was  kindness  too ;  and  when 
the  day  shall  come — God  grant  it  may  be  quickly — when  we  are  one 
people  again,  let  the  cruelty  be  forgiven  and  the  kindness  only  remem- 
bered. 

And  now  our  record  of  the  battle  of  Bull  Run  is  at  an  end.  It  was 
valiantly  contended  on  both  sides,  and  won  only  from  superior  num- 
bers and  reinforcements  of  fresh  troops,  poured  upon  the  exhausted 
soldiery  of  the  Union.  To  gain  this  contest  the  South  sent  her  best 
and  very  bravest  generals.  Her  forces  Avere  led  by  Beauregard  and 
Johnston,  both  experienced  oflScers.  They  were  also  cheered  by  the 
near  presence  of  Jefferson  Davis,  who  came  upon  the  field  when  the 
victory  was  assured,  amid  the  shouts  of  a  soldiery,  the  more  enthu- 
siastic because  they  hadjust  been  rescued  from  almost  certain  defeat. 
They  had  the  choice  of  position  and  had  fortified  it  with  wonderful 
skill ;  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  country,  and  troops  unwearied  by 
long  marches — indeed,  the  advantages  were  altogether  on  their  side. 
The  North,  never  dreaming  that  an  open  rebellion  would  break  out, 
was  utterly  dependant  on  undisciplined  troops ;  while  the  South,  having 
premeditated  resistance  to  the  Government,  had  been  drilling  men  for 


126  TIIE    WAR   FOB   TUE    UNION. 

months,  if  not  years.  There  was  no  one  point  except  in  the  actual 
bravery  of  their  leaders  and  soldiers  in  which  the  enemy  was  not  supe- 
rior to  the  Union  forces.  In  personal  valor  the  Southerners  themselves 
have  never  claimed  to  surpass  that  exhibited  in  this  battle  by  their  foes. 

The  smallest  estimate  of  the  forces  actually  engaged  on  the  Southern 
side  is  eighteen  thousand — while  the  Union  forces  which  crossed  Bull 
Run  did  not  at  any  time  count  more  than  thirteen  thousand.  One 
brigade  of  McDowell's  eighteen  thousand  was  not  in  the  action,  except 
in  a  vain  effort  to  check  the  retreat.  This  brigade,  of  General  Tyler's 
division,  was  stationed  at  Stone  Bridge,  and  never  advanced  upon  the 
actual  battle-field.  The  attack  repulsed  by.  Davies  on  the  left  wing,  at 
Blackburn's  Ford,  took  place  nearly  two  hours  after  the  army  Avas  in 
retreat. 

In  the  loss  of  officers,  the  enemy  was  even  more  unfortunate  than  the 
Union  army.  The  fall  of  General  Bee,  one  of  the  bravest  of  their  lead- 
ers, Bartow,  Colonel  Thomas,  Colonel  Hampton,  Colonel  Johnson, 
Lamar,  and  others,  shed  a  gloom  upon  their  victory,  and  greatly  weak- 
ened their  cause  in  the  future.  The  Union  loss  was  heavy,  for  the  men 
who  fell  or  were  taken  prisoners  were  among  the  bravest  that  marched 
.with  the  army,  but  the  Joss  of  officers  by  death  was  inferior  to  that  of 
the  enemy,  and  though  Corcoran  and  Wilcox  were  wounded  and  taken 
prisoners,  they  were  not  lost  to  their  country.  In  ordnance  and  muni- 
tions of  war  the  conquest  was  less  important  than  might  have  been 
supposed,  Many  of  the  Union  guns  were  rescued  from  the  field  during 
the  next  day.  Of  the  fine  horses  attached  to  the  ordnance  a  large  pro- 
portion were  killed,  and  others  were  saved  by  their  drivers,  Avho  cut 
the  traces,  and  rode  them  from  the  scene  of  battle.  The  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded  on  the  Union  side,  was  481  killed,  1,011  wounded,  Und 
1,216  missing:  total,  2,708.  That  of  the  enemy  numbered,  by  Beaure- 
gard's report,  393  killed,  1,200  wounded. 

The  victory  was  a  very  important  one  to  the  South,  as  it  gave  pres- 
tige and  force  to  a  rebellion  which,  had  the  position  of  things  been 
reversed,  would,  it  is  probable,  have  expired  before  the  year  went  out. 
But  in  the  North  it  only  served  to  arouse  the  people  to  a  pitch  of  ex- 
citement hitherto  unparalleled ;  if  troops  had  been  sent  forth  in  regi- 
ments before,  they  came  in  brigades  after  that  defeat. 


11^ 


WESTERN   VIEGINIA.  12J 


WESTEM  VIEGDflA. 

Virginia  has  three  grand  divisions,  viz. :  the  Eastern  Section,  extend- 
ing from  tide-water  up  to  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountains ;  the  Great  Valley 
between  the  Blue  Ridge  and  the  Alleghanies  ;  Western  Virginia, 
stretching  from  the  Great  Valley  to  the  Ohio  river. 

The  contest  between  the  people  of  the  eastern  and  western  portions 
of  the  State  for  supremacy  had  been  one  of  long  duration,  dating  back 
for  many  years.  Internal  improvements  appear  to  have  been  the  cause 
of  this  dissension — Western  Virginia  claiming  that  the  East  had  en- 
joyed and  been  benefitted  by  them  hitherto  exclusively.  In  this 
jealousy  the  inhabitants  of  the  Valley  sympathized,  and  the  completion 
of  the  James  River  and  Kanawha  Canal  to  the  Ohio-  aroused  a  feel, 
ing  of  such  bitter  rivalry,  that  even  the  Governor  favored  the  project 
of  a  division  of  the  State.  Added  to  this  was  the  complaint  of  unequal 
taxation.  The  eastern  portion  being  the  large  slaveholding  district, 
paid  per  capita^  without  regard  to  value,  while  the  wealth  of  the  west- 
ern, consisting  of  land  and  stock,  was  taxed  ad  valorem.  This  strife,  of 
necessity,  was  carried  from  the  people  into  the  Legislature,  and  stormy 
debates  followed.  The  feeling  of  the  West  on  the  slavery  question,  also, 
added  fuel  to  the  flame,  and  the  loyalty  of  that  section  was  attacked. 

In  the  State  Convention  which  passed  the  ordinance  of  secession, 
the  western  delegates  took  a  firm  and  bold  stand  against  it.  When 
the  Act  was  about  to  be  consummated,  great  excitement  prevailed  in 
regard  to  the  action  of  the  western  members,  both  inside  and  out  of 
the  Convention,  and  some  of  them  were  obliged  to  leave  Richmond. 
In  May,  when  the  ordinance  was  submitted  to  the  people,  the  north- 
western counties  voted  largely  against  it. 

A  Convention  assembled  at  Wheeling,  and  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed, which  called  a  General  Convention  'to  convene  at  the  same 
place  on  the  11th  of  June.  Forty  counties  were  represented  there,  and 
an  ordinance  was  passed  for  the  reorganization  of  the  State  Govern- 
ment, every  officer  to  be  obliged  to  swear  allegiance  anew  to  the  United 
States,  and  to  repudiate  the  Richmond  Convention.  A  Governor,  Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, and  other  State  officers  were  elected,  and  the  Legisla- 
ture was  summoned  "  to  assemble  at  the  United  States  District  Court- 
room in  the  city  of  Wheeling,  at  noon,  on  the  first  day  of  July,  1861." 
Both  houses  met  and  organized.  The  Governor's  Message  was  sent  in- 
together  with  a  document  from  Washington,  officially  recognizing  the 
new  Government.  The  message  recommended  an  energetic  co-operation 
with  the  Federal  Government.  United  States  Senators  were  then  elected. 

On  the  20th  of  August,  the  Convention  passed  an  ordinance  creating 


,  130  niE    WAR   FOR   THE  UiriOIT.  • 

a  new  State,  to  be  called  "  Kanawha."  It  included  thirty-nine  counties, 
and  provision  was  made  for  the  admission  of  other  adjoining  counties, 
if  a  majority  of  the  people  of  each  desired  it.  The  question  of  forming 
a  separate  State  was  submitted  to  the  popular  vote  on  the  24th  of  Oc- 
tober, and  resulted  in  favor  of  the  proposition  by  a  large  majority. 
Since  that  time  other  counties  have  signified  a  desire  to  be  admitted. 

Western  Virginia  became  the  scene  of  military  operations  directly 
after  the  war  broke  out,  following  in  close  order  upon  the  occupation 
of  Alexandria.  On  the  30th  of  May  Colonel  Kelly  took  possession  of 
Grafton,  and  the  occupation  of  Phillipi  followed  but  a  few  days  subse- 
quently. Federal  troops  also  crossed  the  Ohio  and  entered  Parkers- 
burgh.  General  McClellan  had  command  of  this  portion  of  the  State, 
it  being  included  in  the  Ohio  district,  and  issued  his  proclamation  to 
the  Union  men  of  Virginia. 

A  series  of  offensive  and  defensive  events  now  followed  each  other  in 
rapid  succession,  exhibiting  bravery  and  determination  unparalleled  in 
history — individual  heroism  and  uncomplaining  endurance  of  suffering — 
rapid  marches  and  brilliant  charges,  that  shine  in  letters  of  fire  upon  the 
pages  of  our  war  history,  and  threw  the  prestige  of  early  victory  about 
the  northern  arms.  It  was  here  that  IMcClellan  won  his  first  laurels — 
here  that  chivalric  Lander  met  a  soldier's  death — here  that  Kelly  was 
wounded,  till  for  M^eeks  and  Weeks  his  life  jvas  despaired  of  Li  fact, 
Western  Virginia  is  covered  with  victorious  Union  battle-fields.  She 
has  indeed  given"  their  greenest  laurels  to  many  of  our  generals. 

The  military  department  of  Ohio,  in  which  Western  Virginia  was 
included,  was  organized  on  the  tenth  of  May,  and  Major-General 
George  B.  McClellan  appointed  to  the  command.  His  headquarters 
were  at  Cincinnati.  On  the  2Gth  of  the  same  month  he  issued  his  first 
proclamation,  declaring  that  his  mission  was  one  of  fraternity,  luiion, 
and  protection,  and  called  upon  all  patriotic  men  to  aid  him  in  his 
endeavors  to  accomplish  this  holy  purpose.  The  proclamation  produced 
a  marked  effect.  Colonel  Kelly,  of  Wheeling,  Virginia,  had  prior  to 
that  date  organized  a  regiment  for  the  defence  of  the  Union,  known  as 
the' "First  Virginia  Volunteers."  * 

On  Friday,  the  24th  of  May,  about  twelve  hundred  rebels  had  assem- 
bled and  marched  from  Harper's  Ferry  to  Grafton,  a  town  on  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  and  forced  many  citizens  to  abandon  their 
homes  and  fly  for  safety,  leaving  their  property  to  be  pillaged  by  the  ene- 
my. About  one  hundred  of  the  fugitives  reached  Morgantown.  The  in- 
habitants of  that  place,  warned  of  their  danger,  immediately  flew  to  arms 
and  prepared  for  a  vigorous  defence.  Finding  that  they  were  not  to  be  mo- 
lested, and  burning  for  revenge,  they  marched,  1000  strong — their  ranks 
having  been  swelled  by  friends  from  Pennsylvania — towards  Grafton. 


BATTLE    OP    PIIILLIPI.  131 

The  rebels  became  alarmed  and  fled  to  Philippi,  in  Bourbon  county, 
about  17  miles  southward.*  On  Monday,  the  27th,  detachments  of  Oliio 
and  Indiana  troops  crossed  the  Ohio  river  at  Wheeling  and  at  Marietta, 
on  their  Avay,  also,  ^o  Grafton.  Simultaneously,  Colonel  Kelly's  regi- 
ment of  Virginians  moved  forward  in  the  same  direction^*  but  the 
bridges  having  been  destroyed,  their  march  Avas  delayed.  At  every 
point,  and  especially  at  IMannington  and  Fairraount,  they  were  received 
with  great  enthusiasm  and  hailed  as  deliverers. 


BATTLE    or    PHILLIPI. 

Brigadier-General  Thomas  A.  Morris  arrived  at  Grafton  on  the  even- 
ing of  June  1st,  and  took  command  of  the  Union  forces.  An  expedition 
was  immediately  organized  to  surprise  and  attack  the  rebels  at  Philippi, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Porterfield.  The  troops  left  in  two 
divisions.  The  First  Virginia  regiment,  part  of  the  Ohio  Sixteenth, 
and  the  Seventh  Indiana,  under  Colonel  Kelly,  moved  eastward,  by 
rail  to  Thornton,  a  distance  of  five  miles,  and  from  there  marched  on 
twenty-two  miles  to  Phillipi,  reaching  the  town  on  the  lower  side. 
The  second  division,  consisting  of  the  Sixth  and  Seventh  Indiana, 
the  Fourteenth  Ohio,  and  a,  section  of  artillery  under  Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Sturgis,  met  by  detachments  at  Webster,  on  the  North-western 
Virginia  railroad,  and  marched  twelve  miles  to  Phillipi.  The  com- 
bined forces  were  commanded  by  Colonels  Dumont  and  Lander,  and  at 
eight  o'clock  on  the  night  of  the  2d  of  June  marched  forward  through 
one  of  the  most  overwhelming  storms  known  to  our  country  that  year. 
Lander  had  been  detailed  to  a  special  command  by  General  Morris,  and 
in  the  terrible  march  that  followed,  through  darkness,  mud  and  rain  he 
led  the  way,  sometimes  exploring  the  route  three  miles  ahead  of  his 
forces,  in  the  midst  of  profound  darkness;  and  through  mud  so  deep  and 
tenacious  that  every  forward  step  was  a  struggle.  The  men  followed, 
bravely  toiling  through  the  miry  soil,  staggering  forward  in  thick  dark- 
ness, and  pelted  by  the  rain  so  violently  that  they  could  not  have  seen 
the  road  had  it  been  daylight.  Still,  not  a  murmur  Avas  heard.  Against 
the  Avhole  force  of  the  elements  the  brave  fellows  struggled  on,  eager 
for  the  storm  of  fire  Avhich  Avas  soon  to  folloAV  the  deluge  that  poured 
upon  them.  Noav  and  then  Lander's  majestic  form,  seated  upon  his 
charger,  Avould  loom  upon  them  through  the  darkness,  returning  from 
his  scouting  duty  to  cheer  them  Avith  his  deep,  sympathetic  voice,  which 
aroused  them  like  a  trumpet.  Thus  they  moved  on,  supported  by  one 
Btern  purpose,  through  Avoods,  across  valleys,  and  over  hills,  the  storm 
droAvning  their  approach  till  they  dreAV  up  on  the  edge  of  the  toAvn 


132  THE  WAB  POB  THB  XTSIOTH. 

overlooking  the  enemy.  But  it  was  not  altogether  a  surprise.  Just 
before  they  reached  the  town  the  troops  had  passed  a  farm-house. 
A  woman  within  that  house  sprang  from  her  bed  as  she  saw  the  lines 
of  troops  filing  slowly  by  in  the  misty  gray  of  the*dawn,  and  guessed 
their  object.  She  instantly  aroused  her  little  scfti  and  sent  him  by  a 
short  cross-road  to  give  the  alarm.  The  boy  was  quick  of  foot,  but  the 
hopes  of  conflict  had  so  aroused  the  energies  of  these  jaded  men  that 
he  was  but  a  few  minutes  in  advance  of  them. 

Lander's  troops  took  position  on  a  hill  across  the  river  and  below  the 
town,  commanding  it  and  the  encampments  around.  He  at  once 
planted  two  pieces  of  artillery,  and  prepared  to  open  fire  at  exactly 
four  o'clock,  the  hour  agreed  upon  for  the  attack,  which  was  to  be 
made  at  once  by  both  divisions.  Lander  was  to  assault  them  in  front, 
while  Kelly  was  to  attack  the  rear  and  cut  off  all  retreat.  But  Lander 
found  his  division  alone  before  the  enemy.  The  terrible  night,  the 
almost  impassable  roads,  and  a  march  of  twenty-two  miles  had  delayed 
Kelly's  forces,  and  when  he  did  arrive  it  was  to  come  in  by  mistake 
below  the  town. 

The  presence  of  Lander's  troops  aroused  the  town  and  threw  it  into 
terrible  commotion.  In  vain  Lander  searched  the  distant  hills,  impatient 
fdjr  Kelly's  appearance.  The  hour  of  attack  had  arrived  and  passed. 
The  men  became  impatient  as  their  leader,  who,  in  his  indomitable 
courage  commenced  the  battle  with  a  portion  of  his  forces. 

When  Lander  gave  the  order  his  eager  men  sprang  to  their  posts, 
and  the  artillery  opened  fire.  As  the  first  gun  awoke  its  thunder  on 
the  encampments,  Kelly  advanced,  but  in  the  wrong  direction.  He 
instantly  comprehended  Lander's  action,  and  with  prompt  courage 
charged  upon  the  encampments.  The  batteries  had  by  this  time  ob- 
tained the  range,  and  were  pouring  in  their  messengers  of  terror  and 
death,  tearing  through  tents  and  cabins,  and  scattering  the  rebels  like 
chaff  in  every  direction.  Aftir  firing  a  volley  of  musketry,  Lander 
advanced. 

Colonel  Kelly's  command  was  close  upon  the  enemy,  the  Virginia 
troops  in  advance,  the  Henry  Clay  Guards  in  front,  and  Colonel  Kelly 
,  and  Captain  Fordyce  leading,  while  Colonel  Lander's  force  came  rush- 
ing down  the  hill  to  the  bridge  and  joined  in  an  impetuous  pursuit  of 
the  fugitives.  Colonel  Kelly,  who,  with  a  bravery  amounting  almost 
to  rashness,  had  been  foremost  from  the  very  first,  was  shot  by  a  con- 
cealed foe,  the  ball  entering  the  left  breast  and  lodging  beneath  the 
shoulder  blade.  As  his  men  conveyed  him  to  a  place  of  safety,  this 
brave  man,  while  in  the  agony  of  his  pain,  exclaimed,  "  I  expect  I  shall 
have  to  die.  I  would  be  glad  to  live,  if  it  might  be,  that  I  might  do 
something  for  my  country,  but  if  it  cannot  be,  I  shall  have  at  least  the 


GENERALS    IN    WESTERN   VIRGINIA.  133 » 

consolation  of  knowing  that  I  fell  in  a  just  cause."  But  he  was  not 
destined  to  be  cut  off  in  the  zenith  of  his  fame  and  usefulness.  After  a 
few  weeks  of  danger  and  anguish  he  was  again  performing  noble  duty 
for  the  country  he  loved  so  well. 

In  this  dashing  victory  fifteen  of  the  rebels  were  killed,  a  large  num- 
ber wounded,  and  ten  taken  prisoners,  together  with  a  quantity  of  camp 
equipage,  arms,  &c.  The  organization  of  the  rebels  at  that  point  was 
completely  broken  up,  and  the  men  driven  to  the  mountains. 


GREAT  DESTRUCTION   OP   RAILROAD   PROPERTY. 

The  bitter  animosity  of  the  rebel  army  was  strikingly  illustrated  on 
the  23d  Jxily,  by  the  destruction  of  a  large  number  of  locomotives  and 
cars  of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad  by  secession  troops  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Thomas  J.  Jackson.  Forty-eight  locomotives 
and  three  hundred  cars  were  blown  up  or  burned,  one  of  the  engines 
having  been  previously  wrapped  in  our  national  ensign.  The  road 
had  been  rendered  impassable  by  the  destruction  of  bridges,  and,  there- 
fore, the  rolling  stock  could  not  have  been  rendered  available.  The 
estimated  loss  was  about  three-quarters  of  a  million  of  dollars. 


GENERAL   M'CLELLAN   IN   WESTERN  VIRGINIA. 

General  McClellan,  during  the  time  that  elapsed  since  his  appoint- 
ment, had  been  actively  engaged  in  organizing  his  forces  and  getting 
them  ready  for  efficient  service.  Scouting  parties — an  important  fea- 
ture of  his  department — were  detailed  for  service,  and  raw  troops 
replaced  by  experienced  men.  Colonel  Kelly,  who  was  now  recovering 
from  the  wounds  received  at  Phillipi,  had  been  appointed  by  Gover- 
nor Pierpont  to  the  command  of  the  Virginia  brigade  of  volunteers. 
Gens.  Morris,  Hill,  Schenck  and  Schleich  were  assigned  their  respective 
positions — the  telegraph  lines  were  put  in  order,  and  new  ones  for  mili- 
tary purposes  were  constructed  where  necessary.  The  arrival  of  fresh 
regiments,  among  which  Colonel  Rosecranz  made  his  appearance,  added 
great  activity  to  the  department.  On  the  side  of  the  enemy  were 
Generals  Robert  S.  Garnett,  Henry  A.  Wise,  Ex-Governor,  John  B. 
Floyd,  Ex-Secretary  of  War,  and  Colonel  Pegram. 

Columns  of  Federal  troops  were  dispatched  to  attack  the  enemy, 
simultaneously,  at  three  different  points,  and  the  first  collision  between 
them  occurred  on  the  10th  of  July. 


134  THB  WAB   FOB  THE   UNION". 


BATTLE   OF   SOAEEYTOWN. 

A  brigade  of  rebels  under  Governor  Wise,  crossed  the  Alleghanies 
to  the  head-waters  of  the  Kanawha,  with  the  intention  of  attacking 
the  rear  of  McClellan's  forces,  while  General  Garnett  was  prepared  to 
meet  him  in  front.  General  Cox  had  been  dispatched  to  this  section 
with  a  considerable  force  of  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Kentucky  troops,  and 
was  encamped  on  the  Kanawha  about  ten  miles  below  its  junction  with 
Scarey  Creek.  Hearing  that  a  portion  of  the  rebel  force  had  taken 
position  at  Scareyto^v^l,  but  four  miles  above  his  camp,  on  the  other 
side  of  the  river,  and  were  entrenching  themselves  there,  General  Cox 
dispatched  a  force  of  about  1,000  men,  consisting  of  the  Twelfth  Ohio, 
a  portion  of  the  Twenty-first  Ohio,  the  Cleveland  Artillery,  and  a  de- 
tachment of  cavalry,  all  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Lowe,  to  dis- 
lodge the  rebels  if  practicable.  The  column  was  ferried  across  the 
stream,  and  moved  cautiously  onward,  the  scouts  scouring  the  country 
as  they  advanced.  The  enemy  was  found  to  be  entrenched  on  the 
opposite  side  of  Pocatallico  Creek,  here  intersecting  the  Kanawha, 
protected  by  breastworks,  and  also  sheltered  by  woods,  about  half 
way  up  a  slope  of  high  hills,  having  two  pieces  of  artillery  in  position, 
while  a  portion  of  their  infantry  had  possessed  themselves  of  ten  or 
twelve  log  huts,  constituting  the  village  of  Scareytown,  in  which  they 
had  improvised  loop-holes.  The  Federal  troops  were  met  by  a  dis- 
charge from  the  rebel  battery  as  soon  as  they  made  their  appearance  ; 
but  the  artillery  of  Captain  Cotton  soon  got  in  position,  and  returned 
the  fire  of  the  enemy  with  good  effect.  The  infantry  were  now  ordered 
to  advance,  and  rushed  fearlessly  across  the  stream,  which  was  fordable, 
in  tlie  face  of  a  heavy  fire.  The  left  wing,  composed  of  portions  of 
the  Twelfth  and  Twenty-first  Ohio,  had  reached  the  enemy's  entrench- 
ments, but  being  unsupported  by  the  right,  and  a  fresh  regiment  of  the 
rebels  appearing  on  the  ground,  they  were  compelled  to  retreat,  leav- 
ing many  of  their  dead  and  wounded  on  the  field. 

The  loss  of  the  Federal  forces  by  this  engagement  was  nine  killed, 
thirty-eight  wounded,  and  three  missing.  Of  the  rebel  loss  we  have 
no  record. 

A  great  misfortune  of  the  day,  however,  was  the  capture  of  five  of 
the  principal  officers  of  General  Cox's  command,  who  were  not  attached 
to  the  expedition. 

Colonels  Woodruff  and  De  Villers,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Neff,  and 
Captains  Austm  and  Ilurd,  prompted  by  an  eager  desire  to  witness  the 
engagement  in  which  they  were  not  assigned  a  part,  rode  up  the  banks 
of  the  river  to  its  junction  with  the  creek,  and  hearing  a  loud  shout, 


BATTLE   AT   KICH   MOUNTATN.  136 

were*  led  to  believe  that  the  Federal  forces  were  victorious.  They 
procured  a  skiff,  crossed  the  creek,  and  inadvertently  strayed  within 
the  enemy's  lines,  where  they  were  all  made  prisoners. 


HOW   THE   EXEMT    WAS   TO    BE   ATTACKED, 

General  Garnett  had  at  this  time  nearly  10,000  men  under  his  com- 
mand, and  occupied  a  position  at  Beverly,  on  Tygart's  Valley  river, 
Randolph  Co.,  in  a  valley  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains.  Two  good 
roads  unite  at  an  acute  angle  at  this  place,  one  leading  westwardly  to 
Buckhannon,  and  the  other  northwest  to  Phillipi.  A  mountainous 
ridge  crosses  both  thesp  roads  in  front  of  Bevei'ly,  and  at  each  point 
of  intersection  General  Garnett  had  an  intrenched  camp.  The  first 
was  on  the  road  to  Buckhannon,  called  the  Rich  Mountain  Camp, 
under  command  of  Colonel  Pegram ;  and  the  second,  on  the  road  to 
Phillipi,  called  Laurel  Hill  Camp,  under  General  Garnett's  personal 
command. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  11th  of  July,  General  Rosecrans  was 
dispatched  to  attack  Colonel  Pegram,  and  dislodge  him  from  his  posi 
tion.  General  Morris  was  to  make  a  simultaneous  movement  on  the 
position  held  by  General  Garnett. 


BATTLE  AT  EIOH  MOmTTADJ. 

July  12,  1802. 

The  rebel  entrenchments  at  Rich  Mountain  were  very  strong  in 
their  position,  and  were  evidently  to  be  taken  only  by  a  great  sacri- 
fice of  life.  They  had  rolled  great  trees  down  the  steep  sides  of  the 
mountain,  and  banding  their  branches  into  a  general  entanglement,  filled 
the  open  spaces  with  earth  and  stones.  The  dense  forest  on  all  sides 
made  the  approach  almost  impassable.  General  Rosecranz  was  accord- 
ingly directed  to  attack  them  in  their  rear.  For  this  purpose  he  took 
with  him  the  Eighth  and  Tenth  Indiana,  and  the  Nineteenth  Ohio, 
and  under  the  leadership  of  an  experienced  guide,  started  about  day- 
light to  ascend  the  mountain.  The  path  was  exceedingly  difficult  and 
tedious,  most  of  the  distance  being  through  thick  laurel  underbrush, 
almost  impenetrable  woods,  and  a  broken,  rocky  region,  which  gave 
them  a  toilsome  march  of  nearly  nine  miles.  Meantime  a  courier  from 
General  McClellan  with  dispatches  for  General  Rosecrans,  had  been 
captured  by  the  rebels,  who  instantly  took  the  alarm,  and  a  body  of 
2,500   men   were  sent  to  the  top  of  the  mountain   by  a  short  route 


136 


TBE   WAB   FOB  THB  UWIOIf. 


which  they  commanded,  and  on  the  arrival  of  the  Union  brces  thej 
stood  ready  for  defence.  The  rebels  had  three  cannon  it  place,  and 
awaited  the  troops,  facing  that  part  of  the  road  where  ^lioy  would 
emerge  from  the  timber.  For  some  time  there  was  skirmishino',  the 
rebels  firing  their  cannon  into  the  woods  at  random.  Tlia  Union 
troops  had  no  cannon,  and  left  the  sheltering  trees  only  lon<y  enough 
to  deUver  a  volley  at  any  one  time,  and  -then  retired  back  to  the  bushes. 
They  thus  succeeded  in  drawing  the  enemy  from  hia  earthworks,  and 
leading  him  into  the  open  fields,  where  the  encoimter  took  place. 


BATTLB   OF   UCQ   MOUNTAIN. 


Colonel  Lander  called  for  twenty  sharpshooters,  who  speedily  left 
the  cannon  without  men  to  work  them.  Their  places  were  filled  by 
others,  when  the  Nineteenth  Ohio,  which  had  gained  a  position  on 
high  ground  in  the  rear,  poured  in  a  tremendous  volley,  and  giving 
loud  cheers,  rushed  forward  for  a  closer  struggle.  The  Eighth  and 
Tenth  immediately  charged  upon  the  guns  and  carried  them,  and  then 
the  entire  entrenchment.  The  enemy  found  it  impossible  to  resist  the 
impetuous  and  daring  onset,  and  broke  up  instantly  in  a  total  rout. 
The  action  was  short,  but  fiercely' contested.  One  hundred  and  forty 
rebels  were  found  killed,  while  the  Federal  loss  was  only  twenty-five 
or  thirty. 


BATTLE    OF    CARUICK's    FOITD.  137 

The  victors  attempted  to  follow  the  flying  enemy,  but  after  proceed- 
ing a  short  distance  were  recalled,  and  formed  in  line,  in  anticipation 
of  an  attack  from  the  fort,  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain.  It  appeared, 
however,  that  when  their  cannon  ceased  firing  they  gave  up  all  as  lost, 
and  deserted  their  works.  General  Rosecranz  remained  on  the  field 
burying  the  dead,  and  taking  care  of  the  wounded,  till  next  morning, 
■when  he  marched  down  to  the  fort  with  his  forces,  and  took  possession. 
Several  hundred  prisoners  were  taken  on  the  field,  and  Colonel  Pegram, 
after  wandering  about  nearly  two  days  without  finding  a  chance  to 
escape,  surrendered  unconditionally  to  General  McClellan,  with  the 
remnant  of  his  command,  numbering  six  hundred  men. 


BATTLE  OF  OAEEIOK'S  POED. 

July  13,  1861. 

While  these  stirring  events  were  transpiring.  General  Gamett,  hear- 
ing of  the  combined  movements,  and  conscious  that  he  would  be  unable 
to  maintain  his  position,  or  make  a  successful  retreat  if  defeated,  with- 
drew his  forces  from  the  Laurel  Hill  camp,  and  was  proceeding  towards 
Beverly,  when  he  received  intelligence  of  the  surrender  of  Colonel 
Pegram  and  the  rapid  advance  of  General  Rosecranz,  accompanied  by 
the  intrepid  Colonel  Lander,  towards  the  spot  he  was  himself  approach- 
ing. He  then  struck  off  on  the  Leading  Greek  Pike,  half  a  mile  from 
Leadsville,  and  commenced  a  rapid  retreat  towards  St.  George,  in 
Tucker  county. 

General  Morris's  bi'igade  entered  the  rebel  camp  at  Beverly  at  10 
A.  M.  of  Friday,  the  12th  of  July.  At  11  o'clock  the  Federal  troops  de- 
tailed to  follow  General  Gamett  started  in  pursuit,  under  Captain  Ben- 
ham.  The  advance  comprised  Colonel  Steedman's  Ohio  Fourteenth, 
Colonel  Milroy's  Ninth  and  Colonel  Dumont's  Seventh  Indiana,  and 
two  pieces  of  artillery,  with  forty  men — total  about  eighteen  hundred 
and  fifty.  At  two  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  13th  tliey  set  out  in  a 
pitiless  storm,  guided  by  the  baggage,  tents,  trunks,  blankets,  knapsacks, 
and  clothing  thrown  away  by  the  enemy.  The  roads  had  been  obstructed 
by  the  retreating  foe.  A  guide,  however,  led  them  by  a  cross-road, 
which  enabled  them  to  gain  rapidly  on  the  enemy.  On  reaching  the 
track  again,  it  was  found  necessary  to  keep  an  advance  of  axe-men  to 
clear  the-  obstructions.  This  was  performed  with  the  greatest  zeal  and 
alacrity,  while  the  storm  raged  furiously  around  them. 

About  noon  General  Gamett  had  reached  and  passed  Kahler's  Ford, 
twelve  miles  from  St.  George.  When  the  advance  of  the  Federal  troops 
Braerged  from  the  ford  they  caught  sight  of  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  and 


138  THE   WAE  FOB  THE  UNION. 

they  were  instantly  nerved  with  new  life.  The  retreating  Southeniers 
were  also  excited,  and  redoubled  their  speed,  if  possible,  throwing 
away  everything  that  enciunbered  their  progress.  General  Garnett  had 
become  thoroughly  convinced  that  there  was  no  alternative  but  to  make . 
a  stand,  and  thus  test  th*  question  of  superiority  without  delay,  lie 
continued  his  course,  however,  until  he  came  to  the  fourth  ford  on  the 
river,  known  as  Carrick's  Ford,  and  prepared  to  receivo  his  pursuers. 
On  the  left  bank  of  the  river  were  level  bottom  lands,  coi  n-fields,  and 
meadows.  On  the  i-ight  high  bluffs  commanded  the  fields  beiow,  and  its 
bank  was  thickly  hedged  in  with  impenetrable  thickets  of  laurel.  Ford- 
ing the  river,  and  placing  his  men  on  the  high  bluff  on  the  right,  they 
were  completely  concealed,  while  the  situation  gave  his  artillery  every 
advantage.  The  wagon  train  was  left  standing  in  the  river,  evidently  to 
mislead  his  pursuers  with  the  idea  that  they  were  unable  to  cross  the 
rocky  bed  of  the  stream.  The  Federal  troops  advanced  to  seize  the 
train,  and  were  consequently  within  range  of  his  artillery  on  the  bluff. 

The  Federal  columns  pushed  rapidly  forward.  Colonel  Steedman's 
Fourteenth  Ohio  in  front,  and  as  they  approached  the  teams  their 
drivers  called  out  that  they  would  surrender.  The  position,  and  the 
conduct  of  the  teamsters,  however,  excited  the  suspicions  of  the  regi- 
ment, and  the  men  were  disposed  in  order,  with  skirmishers  thrown  out 
towards  the  ford,  the  line  moving  down  after  them  in  the  finest  order. 
Just  as  the  advance  were  approaching  the  stream,  and  only  about  two 
hundred  yards  from  the  steep  bluff  on  the  other  side,  an  officer  rose 
from  the  bushes  and  gave  the  order  to  fire.  Immediately  a  volley  of 
musketry  was  followed  by  a  discharge  of  artillery.  The  Fourteenth 
Ohio  and  Seventh  Indiana  Avere  directly  under  the  fire,  and  returned  it, 
doing  good  execution,  while  that  of  the  enemy  flew  harmlessly  over 
their  heads.  The  Fourteenth  Ohio,  being  nearest  the  ford,  were  almost 
exclusively  aimed  at,  and  for  a  time  the  storm  of  war  was  frightful. 
The  roar  of  cannon,  the  crashing  of  trees,  the  bursting  of  the  shells,  and 
quick  volleys  of  musketry  made  the  wild  scene  of  terrible  and  appalling 
havoc.  Amid  it  all  our  men  stood  undaunted,  and  returned  the  fire 
with  great  rapidity,  and  in  superior  order.  Burnett's  artillery  then 
came  up,  and  opened,  and  under  cover  of  their  fire  the  Seventh  Indiana 
was  directed  to  cross  the  river  and  climb  the  bluff  on  the  enemy's  left. 
They  made  the  attempt,  and  two  comp.anies  had  already  reached  the 
top,  when  they  were  directed  to  descend  and  make  the  ascent  so  as  to 
turn  the  enemy's  right.  Colonel  Dumont  led  his  men  down  the  stream 
with  such  dispatch,  that  the  enemy  could  not  turn  his  pieces  upon 
them  until  they  were  concealed  from  view  by  the  smoke,  and  beyond 
the  guns  on  the  bluff.  During  this  movement  the  Fourteenth  Ohio, 
and  Colonel  Milroy's  Ninth  Indiana,  with  our  artillery,  kept  up  a  brisk 


BATTLE    OF   CARRICK  S    FOUD.  139 

fire  in  front,  until  suddenly  Colonel  Dumont's  men,  having  scaled  the 
bluff,  appeared  on  the  right,  and  poured  in  a  volley.  The  appearance 
of  our  troops  there  was  the  signal  for  a  retreat,  and  the  enemy  instantly 
broke  up  in  rout  and  disorder,  precipitately  flying  from  the  field. 

Our  regiments  and  artillery  then  crossed  the  river  in  hot  pursuit.  At 
a  distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile  the  road  again  crosses  the  stream,  and 
General  Garnett  sought  in  vain  to  rally  his  troops  at  this  point.  Major 
Gordon  of  the  Seventh  Indiana  led  the  advance,  and  soon  reached  the 
spot  where  General  Gramett,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  was  en- 
deavoring to  rally  his  forces  around  him.  Gordon  called  upon  Captain 
Ferry's  company,  and  ordered  them  to  fire.  The  rebels  greeted  Major 
Gordon  with  one  volley  and  tied.  General  Garnett  turned  to  call  his 
men,  and  motioned  them  back,  but  a  I  in  vain.  At  this  moment, 
Sergeant  Burlingame,  of  Captain  Ferry's  company,  raised  his  piece, 
took  aim,  and  fired.  General  Garnett  fell  backward,  his  head  lying  to- 
wards our  forces,  and  with  open  mouth,  as  though  gasping  for  breath. 
He  uttered  not  a  groan,  and  when  Major  Gordon  reached  him,  a  few 
moments  afterwards,  he  was  just  expiring.  The  Major  stooped  down, 
tenderly  closed  his  eyes,  disposed  his  limbs,  and  left  a  guard  of  loyal 
soldiers  around  him  to  protect  all  that  remained  of  the  chivalrous  and 
honored,  but  mistaken  leader  of  Western  Virginia. 

Every  Virginian  among  the  followers  of  this  gallant  man  fled,  and 
left  him  to  fall  and  expire  alone.  But  a  young  soldier  wearing  the 
Georgia  imiform  and  button,  sprang  to  his  side,  only  to  share  his  fate, 
fpr  a  musket  shot  answered  this  devotion  with  death,  and  he  fell  side 
by  side  with  his  commander.  The  Federal  troops,  even  in  the  glow 
of  victory,  stopped  to  pay  a  tribute  of  respect  to  this  generous  youth. 
They  placed  a  board  at  his  grave  and  cut  rudely  upon  it,  "  A  brave 
fellow,  who  shared  his  General's  fate  and  fell  fighting  by  his  side. 
Name  unkno^'n." 

The  loss  of  our  flfoops  was  killed,  two ;  wounded,  twelve.  The  en- 
emy lost  eight  on  the  field,  three  died  in  hospital,  and  ten  others  were 
wounded.  A  large  number  of  prisoners  were  taken,  including  six 
Georgia  captains  and  lieutenants,  a  surgeon,  and  a  number  of  non- 
commissioned officers.  Beside  prisoners,  there  \irere  also  captured  two 
stands  of  colors,  one  rifled  cannon,  forty  loaded  wagons,  hundreds  of 
muskets  and  side  arms,  with  other  effects  of  various  kinds.. 

This  action  is  honorable  in  the  highest  degree  to  all  engaged  in  it. 
They  had  pursued  and  overtaken  an  enemy  who  had  twelve  hours  ad- 
vance ;  they  had  made  a  forced  march  of  nearly  thirty  miles  in  less  than 
twenty-four  hours,  over  the  worst  of  roads,  and  with  scarcely  any  food, 
some  of  the  men  having  been  without  nourishment  for  thirty-six  hours. 
They  then  fought  a  battle,  cut  off  the  enemy's  baggage  train,  captured 


140  THE   WAB   FOB   THE   UNION. 

their  cannon,  routed  their  army,  and  found  themselves  in  full  pos- 
session of  the  field.  The  day  and  the  event  will  ever  be  memorable, 
and  Ohio  and  Indiana  may  well  be  proud  of  their  sons. 

The  remainder  of  General  Garnett's  army  effected  their  escape 
through  the  Cheat  Mountain  Gap,  which  was  seized  and  fortified  by 
General  McClellan.  In  these  two  engagements  150  of  the  enemy  were 
killed,  300  wounded,  upwards  of  1000  prisoners  were  taken,  and  nearly 
all  their  war  material  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors. 

The  loyal  troops  were  too  much  exhausted  by  the  incessant  labors 
and  privations  of  their  three  days'  struggle  to  pursue  the  scattered  and 
dispirited  enemy  any  further  through  the  mountains,  and  went  into 
camp  at  Iluttonville  and  Laurel  Hill,  to  await  .the  next  call  to  duty. 
General  McClellan  closed  his  dispatch  of  July  14th,  with  the  words, 
"  I  firmly  believe  that  secession  is  killed  in  this  section  of  the  country." 

During  the  battle  an  incident  illustrating  the  coolness,  bravery  and 
generosity  of  Colonel  Lander  towards  a  brave  foeman  occurred,  that 
deserves  honorable  mention.  The  horse  of  the  Colonel  had  been  shot 
from  imder  him,  and  he,  dismounted,  had  taken  his  stand  tipon  a  rock 
directly  in  front  of  a  rebel  gun.  Discharging  musket  after  musket,  as 
fast  as  they  could  be  loaded  for  him,  he  remained  a  noted  mark  for 
the  enemy  to  shoot  at.  At  a  short  distance,  all  the  men  belonging  to  a 
cannon  of  the  Confederates  had  been  shot  down  or  fled,  and  their  Lieu- 
tenant was  undauntedly  serving  and  tiring  it,  single-handed.  Three 
times  had  it  belched  forth  flame  and  ball,  when  Colonel  Lander,  noticing 
the'bravery  of  the  man,  called  out  to  him —  ^ 

"  If  you  five  that  gun  again  you  are  a  dead  man ! " 

"Sir,  I  shall  fire  it  as  long  as  I  have  life  in  my  body!"  was  the 
cool,  fearless  and  curt  reply. 

This  was  an  instance  of  noble  courage  well  calculated  to  be  appre- 
ciated by  a  true  soldier,  and  the  Union  Colonel,  leaping  from  the  rock, 
shouted  to  his  men — 

"  Boys,  that  is  too  brave  a  man  for  me  to  kill." 


On  the  21st  of  July  the  Federal  army  under  General  McDowell, 
having  suffered  severely,  and  retreated  from  Manassas,  General  Mc- 
Clellan, who  by  his  achievements  had  earned  a  brilliant  prestige,  was 
ordered,  on  the  22d,  to  Washington,  to  take  command  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  the  Potomac,  and  General  Rosecranz  was  appointed  to  succeed 
him  in  the  Department  of  the  Ohio. 


THS  WSST.  141 


THE  WEST. 


Comprehended  within  the  boundaries^  of  that  noble  portion  of  our 
country  called  "The  West,"  is  a  people  who  can  justly  claim  to  be  not 
only  of  the  best  muscle  and  nerve  of  the  land,  but  second  to  none  in 
intellectual  vigor  and  sterling  integrity  of  character.  A  single  thought 
tells  us  how  just  this  claim  is.  The  West  was  settled  by  the  picked 
men  and  women  of  the  old  States.  When  the  sloping-roofed  farm- 
houses of  New  England  became  too  circumscribed  for  the  sons  and 
daughters  that  filled  them,  the  most  enterprising  members  of  a  house- 
hold left  the  rest  to  till  the  homestead  acres  while  they  went  forth 
into  the  wilderness  to  cut  the  forest  trees  away,  and  let  sunshine  into 
the  shadowy  bosom  of  the  woods,  to  build  their  log  cabins  in  the  first 
clearing,  and  so  work  out  a  sure  independence  for  themselves,  as  thtfy 
became  benefactors  to  the  world. 

In  the  end  both  position  and  wealth  followed  these  daring  pioneers. 
As  the  roving  Indian  slowly  retreated  from  the  frontier  which  was 
stretching  westward  every  hour,  sweeping  the  wilderness  .  away  with 
it,  he  found  the  rich  earth  lavish  of  her  returns  for  his  self-sacrifice  and 
his  labor.  He  drank  in  enlargement  of  thought  and  purpose  from  amid 
the  luxuriant  prairies  and  vast  wilderness  which  spread  its  untrodden 
bosom  between  his  home  and  the  Rocky  Mountains.  He  watched  the 
Father  of  Rivers  cleaving  the  best  portions  of  a  continent  with  his 
broad  waters,  and  drank  in  lessons  of  true  freedom  which  will  never 
lose  their  value  to  his  descendants.  With  a  rifle  for  his  companion 
and  an  axe  for  his  best  friend,  the  backwoodsman  of  America  learned 
the  art  of  border  warfare,  and  trained  himself  in  a  school  of  hard- 
ship that  made  his  sinews  firm  as  iron  and  capable  of  resisting  any 
fatigue. 

With  hearts  and  minds  expanding  with  the  boundless  scenes  around 
them,  these  adventurous  men  grew  so  careless  of  danger  that  the  word 
fear  was  blotted  from  their  lexicon  long  before  the  present  generation 
came  into  existence. 

Is  it  strange  that  the  descendants  of  such  men  should  be  open-handed, 
grand-hearted  and  brave,  as  we  have  found  them  in  this  war  for  our 
common  Union  ?  The  enthusiasm  of  the  old  men  who  have  dropped 
quietly  away  into  their  western  graves,  has  broken  forth  anew  in  this 
younger  generation.  Like  a  spark  of  fire  dropped  upon  a  prairie  in  the 
autumn,  their  enthusiasm  is  easily  enkindled.  A  single  word  against 
the  old  flag,  one  sacrilegious  touch  upon  its  flag-staff^,  was  enough  to 
rouse  them  into  action.  Nowhere  on  earth  is  the  stars  and  stripes  held 
more  sacred  than  in  the  West.     The  first  ball  that  cut  through  the  flag 


142  THB   WAR  FOE  THB   UNION. 

at  Fort  Sumter  aroused  the  old  pioneer  blood  into  determined  and 
terrible  resistance.  * 

The  history  of  the  Mexican  war  is  a  record  of  what  western  men  can 
do  on  the  battle-field — charges  at  which  even  their  countrymen  who 
knew  them  wondered — sufferings  patiently  endured,  marches  that  taxed 
the  s^'ongest — all  these  things  have  proved  of  what  true  metal  the 
West  is  made.  "With  war-wreaths  dyed  in  blood  at  Cerro  Gordo,  bap- 
tized in  fire  at  Chapultepec,  and  rendered  immortal  at  Buena  Vista, 
these  men  were  not  likely  to  see  their  own  Government  turned  upon 
without  rising  as  one  man  to  defend  it. 

Through  the  golden  grain  and  the  rustling  corn-fields  of  the  "West, 
the  news  of  the  bombardment  of  Sumter,  the  attack  at  Baltimore,  and 
(he  call  of  the  President,  rushed  like  one  of  its  own  tornadoes  from  city 
to  village,  from  farm-house  to  cabin.  The  news  ran  and  the  answer 
came  thunder-toned.  The  old  man  took  down  his  rifle  from  the  antler 
bracket  on  the  cabin  wall.  His  son  left  the  plow  in  its  furrow,  and 
all  classes  and  conditions  of  men  came  forward  with  brave  hearts  and 
ready  hands,  and  laid  them  on  the  altar  of  their  country. 

The  watchfires  of  freedom  were  kindled,  and  on  every  hill  and  through 
the  valleys  poured  a  tide  of  armed  men,  unconquerable  and  resistless. 
These  western  men  took  the  field,  rgady  at  once  for  the  deadly  strife. 
Their  entire  lives  had  been  one  incessant  training  for  the  hardships  and 
dangers  of  war.  They  had  but  one  regret — that  their  march  was  against 
brothers  armed  against  the  nation — all  else  was  merged  in  the  glorious 
thought  that  they,  the  very  children  of  liberty,  had  the  power  to  yield 
up  everything,  even  life,  and  home,  that  a  great  country  should  be 
maintained  in  every  inch  of  its  soil  and  every  right  of  its  people. 

Long  had  the  great  West  toiled  to  feed  the  starving  nations  of  the 
earth.  Long  had  she  poured  from  her  overflowing  storehouses  count- 
less millions  of  food  into  the  waiting  lap  of  the  needy  manufacturing 
countries.  From  her  great  wealth  of  food  she  had  always  been  ready 
to  feed  the  world.  When  the  war-cry  aroused  her,  she  Avas  just  as  strong 
and  just  as  prompt  to  fight  the  world.  The  national  honor  was  hers  to 
reverence  and  avenge.  The  old  flag — its  emblem  and  its  glory — who 
should  spring  to  its  rescue  if  not  the  West?  Did  not  a  chain  of  crystal 
lakes  crown  her  at  the  north,  clasped  together  by  the  eternal  emt  raids 
of  Niagara  ?  Was  not  the  Mississippi,  her  great  highway  to  the  gulf,  a 
mighty  thoroughfare,  which  no  force  should  wrest  from  her  while 
she  had  power  to  hold  its  banks  with  serried  walls  of  steel?  Was  this 
river,  the  pathway  of  her  greatness,  one  source  of  her  renown,  to  be 
blocked  up  while  she  could  cleave  her  own  mountains  asunder,  and 
force  them  to  give  forth  iron  for  gunboats,  or  gather  lead  from  her 
bosom  to  mould  into  bullets  ?     Not  while  these  people  could  turn  their 


MISSOURI.  143 

workshops  into  manufsictories  of  war-missiles,  and  their  prairie  steeds 
into  chargers,  should  an  enemy — brother  or  stranger — take  one  right  from 
the  "West  by  force.  This  was  the  stern  resolve  of  our  pioneer  men  when 
the  war-trumpet  rang  over  the  prairies  of  the  West,  and  quick  to  act 
as  prompt  to  resolve,  her  people  arose  as  one  man.  There  was  no  cavil 
about  trifles  then.  Her  fertile  fields  were  stripped  of  their  wealthy  and 
her  prairies  of  their  cattle  to  furnish  food — not  alone  to  furnish  food  for 
themselves,  but  for  the  armies  of  the  East.  Soon  her  rivers  swarmed 
with  iron-clad  gunboats,  and  her  railways  became  military  roads — her 
cities  tented  fields,  her  palaces  recruiting  oflSces,  her  cabins  free  homes 
for  soldiers  when  their  faces  turned  toward  the  war. 

The  West  was  impatient  of  nothing  but  delay — but  she  chafed  wildly 
at  any  obstacle  that  impeded  the  progress  of  her  armies. 

How  well  these  men  liave  fought,  and  with  what  heroism  they  have 
Buffered,  let  the  record  we  are  about  to  make  of  Henry,  Donelson,  Pitts- 
burgh Landing,  and  many  another  bravely  contested,  point,  answer.  Let 
the  noble  hearts  stilled  in  death,  and  countless  graves  upon  which  the 
tender  grass  is  now  springing,  answer. 

With  battle  songs  on  their  lips  they  marched  away  from  their  homes, 
with  battle  cries  upon  their  lips  many  of  them  fell  gloriously,  never  to 
see  those  homes  again.  If  the  West  has  been  brave  in  war,  so  will  she 
prove  generous  when  Peace  shall  come.  The  nation  they  have  helped 
to  save,  and  those  in  revolt,  when  true  brotherhood  comes  back,  will 
yet  give  the  West  a  monument  worthy  of  its  fame. 


MISSOUEI. 

The  geographical  position  of  Missouri  is  such,  that  if  thrown  into 
the  scale,  she  would  weigh  heavily  either  for  or  against  the  Union. 
When  the  war  broke  out  her  people  werie  divided,  though  the  majority 
were  believed  to  be  loyal  to  the  Constitution ;  and  when  the  Governor 
refused  to  meet  the  requisition  of  the  President  for  troops  to  sustain 
the  national  flag,  Hon.  Frank  P.  Blair  and  other  prominent  citizens  of 
the  State,  replied,  on  their  personal  responsibility,  that  the  quota  of  four 
regiments  should  be  raised,  without  either  the  aid  of  the  Governor  or  his 
consent.  In  order  to  give  character  and  legality  to  their  proceedings, 
and  to  guard  against  the  power  of  the  State  rulers,  Captain  Nathaniel 
Lyon,  of  the  United  States  army,  then  in  command  of  the  Arsenal  at 
St.  Louis,  Avas  directed  by  the  Government,  on  the  30th  of  April,  to 
enrol  in  the  military  service  of  the  United  States,  from  the  loyal  citizens 
of  the  city  and  vicinity,  10,000  men,  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  the 
authority  of  the  Government — for  the  protection  of  the  peaceable  in- 


144  THE   TAR   FOU   THE   UNION. 

habitants  of  Missouri,  and  to  guard  against  any  attempt  on  the  part  of 
the  secessionists  to  gain  military  possession  of  the  city  of  St.  Louis. 
Captain  Lyon  was  also  instructed  that  this  force  should  be  disbanded 
when  the  emergency  ceased  to  exist. 

Recruiting  offices  were  opened,  under  his  direction,  the  loyal  citizens 
'  were  prompt  in  their  response,  and  on  the  2d  of  May,  Colonel  F.  B. 
Blair  announced  that  the  four  regiments  called  for  from  that  State  had 
been  enrolled,  equipped,  and  mustered  into  service. 

The  Police  Commissioners  of  St.  Louis  had  called  upon  Captain 
Lyon,  on  the  opening  of  recruiting  stations,  and  demanded  the  removal 
of  the  United  States  troops  from  all  places  and  buildings  occupied  by 
them  in  the  city  outside  of  the  Arsenal  grounds,  but  he  declined  com- 
pliance, and  the  Commissioners  referred  the  matter  to  the  Governor 
and  the  Legislature,  alleging  that  such  occupancy  was  derogatory  to 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States — that  Missouri  had  "  sovereign 
and  exclusive  jurisdiction  over  her  entire  territory,"  and  had  delegated 
a  portion  of  that  territory  only  (the  Arsenals,  etc.,)  to  the  United 
States  for  military  purposes. 


OAPTUEE   OF    CAMP   JAOKSON. 

In  response  to  Governor  Jackson's  order  directing  the  military  in 
certain  districts  to  go  into  encampments  for  the  purpose  of  improve- 
ment in  the  tactics  of  Avar,  a  camp  had  been  formed  at  Lindell's  Grove, 
in  the  suburbs  of  St.  Louis,  called  "  Camp  Jackson."  On  the  4th  of 
May  it  was  inaugurated,  under  the  charge  of  General  D.  M.  Frost,  and 
within  a  week  numbered  800  men.  Having  received  intelligence  that 
it  was  the  purpose  of  Captain  Lyon  to  break  up  this  encampment. 
General  Frost  addressed  him  a  letter,  dissuasive  in  its  tone — disclaim- 
ing any  intention  on  the  part  of  himself  and  men  of  hostility  to  the 
Government,  and  containing  an  offer  to  preserve  the  public  peace  and 
guard  the  property  of  the  United  States. 

The  answer  to  this,  was  the  surrounding  of  the  camp  by  5,000  Fed- 
eral troops,  and  the  following  notice  from  Captain  Lyon : 

"  Sib, — Your  command  is  regarded  as  hostile  towards  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States.  It  is,  for  the  most  part,  made  up  of  those 
who  have  avowed  their  hostility  to  the  General  Government,  and  have 
been  plotting-  for  the  seizure  of  its  property  and  the  overthrow  of  its 
authority.  You  are  openly  in  communication  with  the  so-called  South- 
ern Confederacy,  which  is  now  at  war  with  the  United  States,  and  you 
are  receiving  at  your  camp,  from  the  said  Confederacy  and  under  its 
flag,  large  supplies  of  material  of  war,  most  of  which  is  known  to 


CAl'TUKli:    OF    CAMP   JACKSON.  145 

be  the  property  of  the  United  States.  These  extraordinary  prepara- 
tions plainly  indicate  none  other  than  the  well-known  purpose  of  the 
Governor  of  this  State,  under  whose  orders  you  are  acting ;  and  whose 
purpose,  recently  communicated  to  the  Legislature,  has  just  been  re- 
sponded to  by  that  body  in  the  most  unparalleled  legislation,  having  in 
dii'ect  view  hostilities  to  the  General  Government  and  co-operation  with 
its  enemies." 

Actuated  by  these  considerations,  and  also  by  the  failure  to  break  up 
the  camp,  in  obedience  to  the  Presidential  Proclamation  of  April  15  th, 
Captain  Lyon  demanded  its  immediate  surrender.  After  a  hasty  con- 
sultation with  his  officers,  General  Frost  complied,  and  the  place  was 
surrendered  unconditionally.  But  when  the  result  was  announced  to 
the  troops,  it  was  received  with  the  wildest  yells,  curses  and  groans. 
Some  railed  out  against  treachery,  but  the  more  loyal  were  rejoiced  at 
the  prospect  of  escaping  from  what  they  denominated  a  school  of  se- 
cession. Numbers  of  outsiders,  also,  when  the  news  became  known, 
rushed  into  the  camp  and  gave  loud  voice  to  their  feelings  of  indigna- 
tion. The  camp  had  in  reality  become  a  vast  mob.  Hurrahs  for  JeflEl 
Davis  were  given — many  of  the  now  disarmed  soldiers  joining  in  them. 
The  United  States  troops  were  insulted  in  every  possible  manner,  and 
rowdyism  ruled  the  hour  triumphantly.  Officers  had  broken  their 
swords  and  privates  their  guns  before  surrendering  them.  The  task 
of  marching  the  men  out  was  a  work  of  great  difficulty,  but  at  last  it 
was  accomplished,  and  the  prisoners  surrounded  by  two  files  of  loyal 
troops.  This  act  brought  the  fury  of  the  mob  to  a  climax,  and  when 
most  of  the  troops  had  left,  the  few  German  soldiers  that  brought  up 
the  rear  were  attacked  by  the  crowd,  and  showers  of  stones  rattled 
upon  them.  The  Federals  presented  their  muskets,  for  the  purpose  of 
intimidating  the  mob,  but  without  avail.  The  order  to  fire  at  length 
became  necessary.  It  was  given  and  executed  with  terrible  efiect,  and 
the  swiftly  retreating  mob  left  behind  them  from  thirty  to  forty  of  their 
number,  either  dead  or  lying  on  the  ground  weltering  in  blood. 

Many  of  the  prisoners  took  the  oath  of  fidelity  to  the  Constitution 
and  the  laws,  and  were  set  free.  A  large  amount  of  arms,  ammunition, 
stores,  camp  equipage  and  stock  was  seized. 

The  event  roused  the  secessionists  in  the  city  of  St.  Louis  to  the 
highest  fury,  and  the  night  was  made  hideous  by  bloody  encounters,  in 
which  several  lives  were  lost. 

The  Legislature,  then  in  session  at  Jefferson  City,  alarmed  by  these 
vigorous  measures  on  the  part  of  the  Government,  passed,  the  same 
afternoon,  a  "  Military  Bill,"  authorizing  the  Governor  to  call  out  and 
equip  the  State  militia,  and  appropriating  all  the  available  funds  of  the 
State  for  that  purpose,  in  addition  to  the  issuing  of  bonds  to  the  amount 
10 


146  TUB  WAR  FOB  THE  UNION. 

of  $1,000,000,  and  authority  to  borrow  $500,000  from  the  State  banks. 
The  bill  also  gave  to  the  Governor  Buprerae  authority  in  all  military  I 
matters,  and  subjected  every  able-bodied  man  in  the  State  to  such 
authority,  under  penalty  of  $150  fine.  The  telegraph  was  seized  by 
order  of  Governor  Jackson,  and  the  bridges  on  roads  leading  from 
St.  Louis  destroyed,  from  fear  that  Federal  troops  might  reach  Jefferson 
City  by  railroad  and  arrest  the  conspirators. 

The  loyal  citizens  of  St.  Louis  trembled  for  their  safety — fearful 
alike  of  an  uprising  of  the  secessionists  in  ther  midst  and  invasion  from 
without.  The  "  Home  Guard  "  was  organized — a  reserve  of  volunteers 
proceeded  to  the  arsenal  for -^  arms,  and  to  take  the  oath  of  fealty,  and 
other  measures  adopted  for  defence.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  11th,  a 
body  coAiposed  mostly  of  Germans  was  assailed  by  a  mob  on  their 
return  from  the  arsenal.  A  fierce  struggled  ensued,  and  several  were 
killed  on  either  side. 

The  following  day  Brigadier-General  Harney,  of  the  regular  ai-my, 
reached  St.  Louis,  and  assumed  command  of  the  Military  Departments 
Being  himself  a  citizen  of  Missouri,  and  enjoying  the  confidence  of  the 
people  in  a,  very  large  degree,  his  presence  produced  a  marked  and 
salutary  effect.  By  proclamation  he  demonstrated  the  madness  and 
futility  of  any  attempt  to  withdraw  the  State  from  her  allegiance,  and 
gave  warning  that  any  disturbance  would  be  promptly  suppressed.  On 
the  14th  he  issued  a  second  proclamation,  declaring  the  "  Military  Bill " 
in  conflict  with  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States,  and 
therefore  a  nullity — equivalent  to  an  ordinance  of  secession,  and  cau- 
tioned all  good  citizens  against  obeying  it.  The  geographical  position 
of  the  State,  and  her  best  interests,  he  asserted,  rendered  it  absolutely 
necessary  that  she  should  remain  in  the  L^nion,  no  matter  what  might 
be  the  position  of  the  cotton  States  ;  and  he  emphatically  declared  that 
the  whole  power  of  the  United  States  would  be  exerted,  if  necessary, 
to  keep  her  within  the  national  domain. 

But  secession  influences  were  exceedingly  active  in  almost  all  parts 
of  the  State,  and  the  fact  that  the  Governor  and  members  of  the  Legis- 
lature were  disorganizers,  occasioned  great  apprehension  in  regard  to 
her  future  destiny.  The  neighboring  States  of  Iowa,  Illinois,  and 
Kansas  made  tender  of  liberal  aid  to  the  loyal  men  of  Missouri,  whenever 
required,  to  maintain  their  rights  and  their  freedom.  The  secessionists 
now  threw  off  their  disguise,  and  resorted  to  violent  aggressions  and 
bitter  persecutions  of  Union  men.  Many  loyal  citizens  of  Potosi, 
Washington  county,  seventy  miles  from  St.  Louis,  were  driven  from 
the  town,  and  their  property  injured  or  appropriated  by  the  rebels. 

Previous  to  the  arrival  of  General  Harney  at  St.  Louis,  Captain  Na- 
thaniel Lyon  was  commissioned  a  brigadier-general,  having  command 


CAPTURE  OF  CAMP  JACKSON.  14? 

of  all  the  troops  at  St.  Loliis.  On  Tuesday,  the  14th  of  May,  he  sent 
Captain  Cole,  of  the  Fifth  Missouri  Volunteers,  with  one  hundred  and 
fifty  men,  to  Potosi,  who  surrounded  the  town  before  daylight,  and 
arrested  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  persons.  They  were  marched  to 
the  court-house,  and  fifty  of  them  required  to  give  parole  not  to  take 
up  arms  against  the  Government.  Nine  of  the  leaders  were  taken  to 
the  St.  Louis  arsenal.  On  his  return  to  St.  Louis,  Captain  Cole  led  his 
troop  through  De  Soto,  Jefierson  county,  where  a  body  of  secession 
cavalry  was  collected,  who  fled  at  his  approach.  Thirty  of  their  horses 
were  captured  by  Captain  Cole,  and  a  large  secession  flag  seized,  which 
they  had  just  raised  on  a  pole  in  the  town,  and  the  stars  and  stripes 
elevated  in  its  place. 

On  the  21st  of  May,  General  Harney  was  induced  by  Price  to  enter 
into  an  arrangement  which  was  professedly  designed  to  "  allay  excite- 
ment," and  "  restore  peace ; "  and  for  this  common  object,  the  "  general 
officers  of  the  Federal  and  State  Governments  were  to  be  respected." 
Price  was  recognized  as  "  having  by  commission  full  authority  over  the 
militia  of  the  State,"  to  direct  the  wholq  power  of  the  State  officers,  and 
to  maintain  order.  General  Harney  admitted  that  this,  faithfully  per- 
formed, was  all  he  required ;  and  that  he  had  no  wish  to  make  any 
"military  movements"  on  his  part.  This  was  all  that  Price  desired. 
Having  by  these  plausible  pretences  tied  the  hands  of  General  Harney, 
knowing  that  he  would  regard  his  obligations,  the  secession  leaders 
continued  their  plots,  and  took  measures  for  consummating  the  rebel- 
lion in  the  State.  Loyal  men  in  Missouri,  as  weU  as  in  other  States, 
soon  perceived  the  situation  of  afifairs.  ,  The  General  Government  be- 
came dognizant  of  the  embarrassment  in  which  General  Harney  was 
placed,  and  to  release  him  from  his  engagements  with  General  Price, 
as  Avell  as  to  secure  the  most  efficient  action  at  this  stage  of  the  rebel- 
lion, relieved  him  and  appointed  General  Lyon  to  the  command.  Un- 
der his  administration,  vigorous,  all-observant,  prompt,  and  decisive, 
General  Price  found  himself  imder  a  pressure  very  diflTerent  from  what 
he  had  anticipated. 


SECTION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  BIVER, 

•HOWINO  THX  BIOTAKCIS  rBOH  NXW  OBLEAKS,    A.ND  TBK  I8LAKDS  BT  T1!S:R  RVKBZSII. 


SECTION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPFI  RIVER. 

SHOWIKQ  THK  DISTANCES  KBOJf  KEW  OBLEAKS,    AKD  THK  I8LANP8  BT  THSIK  HUHBSBS. 


160  THB  WAB  FOE  THB  UKIOK. 


OAIEO. 


The  most  important  strategic  point  in  the  West  at  this  time  was  the 
city  of  Cairo,  situated  at  the  extreme  southern  point  of  the  State  of 
Illinois,  at  the  junction  of  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers,  where  the 
latter  river  separates  it  from  Missouri,  and  the  former  from  Kentucky. 
It  completely  commands  both  streams,  and  in  a  military  point  of  view 
may  be  properly  considered  as  the  key  to  what  is  usually  denominated 
"  the  Great  North-west." 

iTie  Illinois  Central  railroad  connects  it  with  Chicago,  the  greatest 
grain  city  of  the  world — with  Lake  Michigan,  and  the  chain  of  lakes, 
and  with  the  vast  net  work  of  railroads  that  branch  from  thence  east- 
ward. On  the  Missouri  bank  of  the  Mississippi  river,  two  miles  distant, 
is  Ohio  city,  the  initial  point  of  the  Cairo  and  Fulton  railroad,  designed 
to  be  extended  to  the  Red  river,  in  Arkansas,  and  thence  to  Galveston, 
in  Texas.  Twenty  miles  below,  on  the  Kentucky  side  of  the  same 
giant  river,  is  Columbus,  which  was  soon  after  occupied  and  fortified 
by  the  rebel  troops. 

As  soon  as  General  Lyon  was  vested  with  supreme  command  in  Mis- 
souri, one  of  his  first  steps  was  to  order  a  body  of  Federal  troops  to 
take  possession  of  Cairo,  under  General  Prentiss,  who  immediately  pro- 
ceeded thither,  with  6,000  men,  and  commenced  fortifying  the  place. 

On  the  28th  of  May,  Bird's  Point,  on  the  Missouri  side  of  the  river, 
a  commanding  position,  Vas  also  occupied,  by  direction  of  General 
Lyon,  by  the  Fourth  !Missouri  Volunteers,  under  the  command  of  Col- 
onel Schuttner. 

On  the  11th  of  June,  Governor  Jackson,  at  his  own  instance,  accom- 
panied by  General  Price,  had  an  interview  with  General  Lyon  and  Col- 
onel Blair  at  St.  Louis,  when  he  requested  that  the  United  States  troops 
should  be  withdrawn  from  the  soil  of  Missouri.  General  Lyon,  as  well 
as  Colonel  Blair,  were  equally  blind  to  the  advantages  of  this  movement, 
and  could  not  be  made  to  see  how  the  Government  or  the  State  of  Mis- 
souri could  be  benefitted  by  a  surrender  of  the  field  to  the  secessionists. 
Jackson  and  Price,  finding  their  negotiations  altogether  vain,  and  under 
a  previous  arrangement  that  they  were  not  to  be  arrested  or  interfered 
with  before  the  12th,  returned  to  Jefferson  City  on  the  same  night,  and 
prepared  for  an  immediate  hostile  demonstration.  General  Lyon,  con- 
vinced that  the  only  efiective  treatment  demanded  by  the  occasion  con- 
sisted in  an  instant  arrest  of  the  conspirators,  if  possible,  started  up  the 
river,  and  occupied  Jefferson  City  on  the  15th,  the  place  having  been 
abandoned  by  the  rebels.  On  the  16th,  he  started  in  pursuit  of  Price 
and  Jackson,  and  on  the  17th  landed  about  four  miles  below  Boone 


BATTLE    OF   BOONKVILLE.  161 

ville,  where  their  forces  were  collected,  and  had  resolAfcd  to  make  ft 

stand. 


BATTLE    OP    BOONEVILLE. 

Junk  1*7,  1861. 

The  enemy  were  exceedingly  well  posted,  having  had  every  advan- 
tage in  the  selection  of  their  position.  They  occupied  the  summit  of 
the  ground,  -which  rises  upwai*d  from  the  river  in  a  long  slope,  and 
were  prepared  to  give  the  loyal  troops  a  warm  reception.  General 
Lyon  opened  a  heavy  cannonade  against  the  rebels,  who  retreated  and 
dispersed  into  the  adjacent  wood,  where,  hidden  by  bushes  and  trees, 
they  opened  a  brisk  fire  on  his  troops. 

Arriving  at  the  brow  of  the  ascent,  Captain  Totten  renewed  the  en- 
gagement by  throwing  a  few  nine-pounder  explosives  into  their  ranks, 
while  the  infantry  filed  oblique  right  and  left  and  commenced  a  terrible 
volley  of  musketry,  which  was,  for  a  short  time,  well  replied  to.  The 
enemy  were  posted  in  a  lane  running  towards  the  river  from  the  road 
along  which  the  army  of  the  United  States  were  advancing,  and  in  a 
brick  house  on  the  north-east  corner  of  the  junction  of  the  two  roads. 
A  couple  of  bombs  were  thrown  through  the  east  wall  of  that  house, 
scattering  the  rebels  in  all  directions.  The  well-directed  fire  of  the 
German  infantry,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Schaeffer,  on  the  right,  and  Gen- 
eral Lyon's  company  of  regulars  and  part  of  Colonel  Blair's  regiment 
on  the  left  of  the  road,  soon  compelled  the  enemy  to  seek  a  safer  posi- 
tion. They  clambered  over  the  fence  into  a  field  of  wlieat,  and  again 
formed  in  line  just  on  the  brow  of  the  hill.  They  then  advanced  some 
twenty  steps  to  meet  the  Federal  troops,  and  for  a  short  time  the  artil' 
lery  was  worked  with  great  rapidity  and  efiect.  Just  at  this  time  the 
enemy  opened  fire  from  a  grove  on  the  left  of  Lyon's  centre,  and  from 
a  shed  beyond  and  still  further  to  the  left. 

General  Lyon  halted,  faced  his  troops  about,  and  bringing  his  artillery 
to  bear,  opened  fire  on  the  rebels,  and  after  a  shoi't  engagement,  killed 
thirty-five  and  took  thirty  prisoners,  while  the  remainder  fled  in  all 
directions,  leaving  many  of  their  guns  on  the  field.  This  accomplished, 
the  General  moved  forward  and  took  possession  of  the  town.  Neither 
General  Price  nor  Governor  Jackson  were  on  the  field  of  battle,  though 
the  latter  was  a  spectator,  and  took  an  early  opportunity  to  withdraw. 

On  the  17th  of  June,  Colonel  Boernstein  was  appointed  Military 
Governor  at  Jefierson  City,  including  Cole  and  the  adjoining  counties, 
the  Governor  and  officers  of  the  State  having  fled.  Colonel  Boernstein, 
on  being  questioned  as  to  how  long  he  should  remain,  replied,  "  I  don't 
know,  perhaps  a  year;  so  long  as  the  Governor  chooses  "^o  Stay  away. 


162  THE    WAR    FOR   THE    UNION. 

I  am  Governor  now,  you  see,  till  he  comes  back ! "  His  idea  of  freedom 
of  speech  and  the  press  he  expressed  freely,  like  this  :  "All  people  zall 
speak  vot  dey  tink,  write  vot  dey  pleazhe,  and  be  free  to  do  any  tink 
dey  pleazhe — only  dey  zall  speak  and  write  no  treason!'''' 

The  loyal  people  of  the  State  now  entered  with  zeal  into  the  work  of 
defence.  Union  Home  Guards  were  organized  at  Hannibal,  Herman, 
Rolla,  Potosi,  and  many  other  places,  and  troops  stationed  at  various 
points,  of  which  two  thousand  five  hundred  kept  guard  over  the  Han- 
nibal and  St.  Joseph,  and  one  thousand  over  the  North  Missouri  rail- 
road ;  three  thousand  took  their  position  also  at  Rolla,  on  the  south- 
west branch  of  the  Pacific  railroad. 

At  Booneville,  on  the  1 8th,  General  Lyon  issued  a  proclamation,  in 
which  he  exposed  the  misrepresentations  of  the  conspirators.  The 
views  they  had  endeavored  to  inculcate,  that  the  United  States  would 
overrun  the  State  with  "  military  despotism,"  and  "  destroy  State  rights," 
were  pronounced  false — the  glaring  inconsistencies  of  the  secessionists 
exposed, — and  •  all  malcontents  solicited  to  return  to  their  allegiance  to 
the  old  flag. 

On  the  san\e  day,  eight  hundred  Union  Home  Guards,  under  Captain 
Cooke,  at  Camp  Cole,  were  surprised  and  routed  by  a  body  of  rebels 
from  Warsaw.  Twenty-five  were  killed,  fifty -two  wounded,  and  twenty- 
three  taken  prisoners.  The  rebel  loss  was  forty-five  killed  and  wounded. 
At  this  time.  Colonel  Siegel,  General  Sweeney,  and  Colonel  Brown,  with 
their  commands,  were  in  the  south-western  part  of  the  State,  keeping 
the  insurgents  at  bay. 

General  Price  and  Jackson  were  employed  in  raising  all  the  turbu- 
lent elements  of  the  State,  and  rallying  followers  to  their  standard. 
They  were  also  greatly  inspirited  in  their  labors  by  the  rumor  that  Ben. 
McCuUoch  was  approaching  with  eight  or  ten  thousand  men  to  aid 
them  in  the  overthrow  of  the  government.  On  the  3d  of  July,  General 
Lyon  left  Booneville  with  two  thousand  men,  for  the  south-west.  Gen- 
eral Sweeney,  who  was  in  command  of  the  south-west  expedition,  at 
Springfield,  published  a  proclamation  to  the  people,  inviting  them  to 
remain  loyal,  and  warning  all  rebels  to  disperse,  take  the  oath  of  alle- 
giance, and  escape  the  penalties  of  their  lawless  career. 


BATTLE   OF   OAETHAGE. 

July  4,  18G1. 


Colonel  Siegel  arrived  at  Springfield  on  the  23d  of  June,  and  there 
learned  that  the  rebel  troops,  under  Jackson,  were  making  their  way 
southwardly  through  Cedar  county.     He  immediately  proceeded  with 


BATTLE    OF    CAKTUAGE.  163 

bis  command,  numbering  over  a  thousand  men,  and  a  small  field  battery, 
towards  Mount  Vernon,  for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  him.  On  ar- 
riving at  that  point,  he  learned  that  General  Price,  in  command  of  one 
thousand  two  hundred  of  the  State  troops,  was  encamped  at  Neosho, 
the  county  seat  of  Newton  county,  situated  in  the  south-west  corner  of 
the  State.  His  object  there  was  to  prevent  Jackson  going  south,  or 
Price  going  north.  He  appears  to  have  decided  to  move  southwardly 
and  capture  Price  if  possible,  and  afterwards  attend  to  the  Governor. 

As  he  neared  Neosho,  on  the  30th,  the  reports  began  to  conie  n  of' 
the  strength  of  Price,  imtil  his  force  was  swelled  to  thirty-five  hundred 
men,  including  Arkansas  volunteers.  The  inhabitants  expressed  their 
welcome  for  Colonel  Siegel,  and  detailed  the  most  pitiable  accomits  of 
the  oppression  of  the  rebel  soldiers. 

On  the  1st  of  July,  the  entire  force  entered  the  town  without  opposi- 
tion, and  encamped  there,  the  enemy  having  retreated. 

On  the  2d,  Colonel  Siegel,  learning  that  the  forces  of  Price,  Rains 
and  Jackson  had  united  at  Dry  Fork  Creek,  eight  miles  from  Carthage, 
and  having  communicated  with  and  received  orders  from  Brig.-Gen. 
Sweeney,  proceeded  at  once  to  attack  them.  He  took  up  his  line  of 
march  on  the  3d,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  4th  came  upon  the  enemy, 
who  were  in  great  force. 

The  Federal  command  was  about  one  thousand  two  hundred  strong, 
including  part  of  Colonel  Salomon's  regiment.  They  met  the  enemy  in 
camp  on  an  open  prairie,  three  miles  beyond  Dry  Fork,  and  after  ap-' 
proaching  within  eight  hundred  yards,  took  position.  The  artillery  was 
placed  in  the  front ;  two  six-pounders  on  the  left,  two  six  and  two 
twelve-pounders  in  the  centre,  and  two  six-pounders  on  the  right. 

The  fight  commenced  about  half-past  nine,  the  balls  and  shells  of  the 
enemy  flying  oyer  the  Union  troops,  and  exploding  in  the  open  prairie. 

At  eleven  o'clock  the  rebel  twelve-pounders  were  silenced,  and  much 
disorder  visible.  About  two  o'clock  the  enemy's  cavalry  having  at- 
tempted to  outflank  the  Federal  troops,  they  fell  back  upon  their  bag- 
gage trains  to  prevent  their  capture.  Colonel  Siegel  changing  his  front. 
Proceeding  in  their  retreat  without  serious  casualty,  they  reached  Dry 
Fork  Creek,  where  eight  hundred  rebel  cavalry  had  concentrated  to  cut 
them  off;  but  a  cross  fire  of  canister  and  shrapnell  soon  broke  their 
ranks,  and  they  fell  into  wild  confusion.  Thence  the  Federal  troops 
proceeded  toward  Carthage.  Just  before  entering  the  town,  Siegel 
■posted  three  companies  at  Buck  Creek,  while  the  residue,  in  two  col- 
umns, made  a  circuit  around  the  town,  the  artillery  pouring  in  a  well- 
directed  fire  on  the  pursuing  enemy.  Night  was  approaching  as  the 
retreating  army  passed  through  Carthage,  while  the  rebel  horsemen 
withdrew  to  the  woods  on  the  Mount  Vernon  road. 


154  THE   WAR   FOU   THE    UNION. 

Colonel  Sigel,  notwithstanding  the  great  fatigue  of  the  day — his  meu 
having  been  in  action  nearly  twelve  hours,  and  suffering  severely  from 
the  heat  and  from  lack  of  water — ordered  his  men  to  press  on  in  retreat 
from  Carthage.  A  forced  march  was  made  to  Sarcoxie,  in  the  south- 
east corner  of  Jasper  county,  (Carthage  being  the  county  seat,)  a  dis- 
tance of  twelve  or  fourteen  miles.  There  they  went  into  camp  at  three 
o'clock  Saturday  morning.  In  the  afternoon  of  the  next  day,  the  re- 
treat was  continued  to  Mount  Vernon,  in  Lawrence  county,  sixteen  or 
eighteen  miles  east  of  Sarcoxie,  where  Siegel  took  a  stand,  and  where 
his  headquarters  were  located. 

The  Union  loss  was  thirteen  killed  and  thirty-one  wounded ;  while, 
according  to  the  most  reliable  accounts,  the  loss  of  the  enemy  could  not 
have  been  less  than  three  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded,  and  forty-five 
prisoners. 


BATTLE  AT  MONEOE,  MO. 

July  10,  18G1. 

Before  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  the  10th,  Colonel  Smith,  with 
about  six  hundred  men  of  the  Sixteenth  Illinois  Volunteers,  while  en- 
camped near  Monroe  Station,  thirty  miles  west  of  Hannibal,  was  attack- 
ed by  one  thousand  six  hundred  rebels  under  the  command  of  Governor 
Harris.  After  a  successful  skirmish  with  the  enemy,  Colonel  Smith 
retired  to  the  Academy  buildings  for  greater  security.  Here  he  was 
again  attacked  by  an  increased  force  of  the  rebels,  and  again  succeeded 
in  repulsing  them.  Determined  on  keeping  them  at  bay,  he  sent  mes- 
sengers to  Hannibal  and  other  places  for  reinforcements,  while  the  long- 
range  rifles  of  his  men  told  with  fearful  effect  on  his  besiegers,  and 
rendered  two  inferior  pieces  of  artillery  which  they  had  brought  to  bear 
on  him  of  but  little  use. 

Three  companies  from  Hannibal  arrived  first  to  the  rescue,  with  two 
pieces  of  cannon  of  superior  power  to  that  of  the  enemy,  and  Colonel 
Smith  immediately  assumed  the  ofiensive.  Toward  evening,  a  body  of 
cavalry  under  the  command  of  Governor  Wood,  of  Illinois,  arrived  and 
fell  upon  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  when  the  struggle  soon  ended,  and  the 
rebel  besiegers  fled,  with  a  loss  of  thirty  killed  and  wounded,  seventy- 
five  prisoners,  one  gun,  and  a  large  number  of  horses.  Of  the  Union 
troops,  but  four  or  five  were  severely  wounded — none  killed. 


GUEEEILLA   BANDS   IN   MISSOUEI.  166 


GUEEEILLA  BANDS  IN  MISSOUEI. 

In  consequence  of  the  disorganized  condition  of  society  in  this  State, 
bands  of  armed  rebels  took  occasion  to  commit  depredations  upon  theloyal 
citizens.  Skirmishes  became  frequent,  terror  took  the  place  of  security, 
and  distrust  that  of  confidence.  Men  once  high  in  public  opinion  and  the 
councils  of  the  nation  became  leaders  in  revolt,  and  encouraged  by  their 
example,  the  rabble  threw  00*311  restraint,  and  boldly  became  banditti. 

Brigadier-General  Pope  was  assigned,  command  in  northern  Missouri, 
and  from  his  headquarters  at  St.  Charles,  issued  a  proclamation,  assuring 
loyal  citizens  of  protection,  and  threatening  disorganizers  and  secession- 
ists with  severe  punishment.  The  State  Convention  assembled  on  the 
22d  of  July,  at  Jefierson  City,  and  passed  an  ordinance  on  the  23d  by  a 
vote  of  sixty-five  to  twenty-one,  declaring  the  office  of  President  of 
their  body,  held  by  Gieneral  Sterling  Price,  to  be  vacant,  and  elected 
General  Robert  Wilson,  a  firm  Union  man,  in  his  place.  A  committee 
of  seven — one  from  each  Congressional  district,  was  appointed  to  report 
what  action  was  necessary  for  the  State  to  take  in  the  crisis,  and  pre- 
pare an  address  to  the  people.  The  report  was  made,  Union  in  all  its 
bearings,  and  the  Convention  adjourned. 

Major-General  Fremont  arrived  at  St.  Louis  on  Sunday  the  25th,  and 
assumed  military  command. 

The  month  of  July  was  prolific  in  proclamations  from  the  command- 
ers of  the  rebel  forces  as  well  as  of  the  Federal  troops.  On  the  30th 
of  July,  rebel  regiments  from  Tennessee,  Mississippi  and  Kentucky, 
occupied  New  Madrid,  on  the  Mississippi  river,  in  the  southern  extrem- 
ity of  the  State,  and  fortified  it,  and  General  Gideon  J.  Pillow  issued  a 
manifesto,  in  which  he  called  upon  the  men  of  Missouri  to  enter  his 
ranks.  On  the  1st  of  August,  Jefferson  Thompson,  not  to  be  outdone 
in  the  declamatory  department,  also  issued  a  fiery  proclamation. 

Depredations  had  become  so  numerous  and  troublesome  on  the  line 
of  the  Hannibal  and  St.  Joseph's  railroad,  that  General  Pope  appointed 
General  S.  A.  Ilurlbut  to  guard  it,  and  divided  it  into  sections,  notify- 
ing the  people  that  all  who  had  property  and  interests  at  stake,  would 
be  expected  to  take  an  active  part  in  their  own  protection  and  security. 
Citizens  were  appointed  district  superintendents. 

The  Address  of  the  State  Convention  was  published  on  the  31st  of 
the  month,  and  presented  the  question  before  the  people  in  a  masterly 
and  able  manner.  The  rebel  Lieutenant-Governor,  Thomas  C.  RejTiolds, 
found  refuge  under  the  protection  of  General  Pillow,  at  New  Madrid, 
and  on  the  same  day,  in  the  absence  of  Governor  Jackson,  issued  a  trea- 
sonable proclamation  to  the  people  of  the  State. 

i 


/ 

156  THE   WAK   FOK   THE   UNION. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring  in  other  parts  of  the  State,  Gen- 
eral Lyon  had  concentrated  his  forces  at  Springfield.  Although  he  had 
perfect  confidence  in  the  bravery  and  discipline  of  his  troops,  he  yet  felt 
his  inability  to  cope  successfully  with  the  superior  numbers  that  he  was 
warned  were  marching  against  him,  and  appealed  to  General  Fremont 
to  reinforce  him.  This  General  Fremont  declined  to  do,  alleging  as 
a  reason  that  his  best  regiments  had  been  withdrawn  to  Washington 
and  Cairo — to  important  points  in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Louis  and  the 
district  under  General  Pope,  that  required  to  be  guarded-;  and  General 
Lyon  and  his  little  handful  of  brave  men  were  left  to  meet,  as  best  they 
might,  the  fast  accumulating  forces  of  the  enemy  who  were  bent  on 
their  destruction. 


BATTLE    OP    DUa    SPRINGS. 

August  2,  1861. 

General  Lyon  being  thus  compelled  to  act,  and  relying  upon  the 
steadiness  and  efficiency  of  his  army  and  superior  artillery,  decided  to 
meet  the  advancing  foe  with  his  small  force,  rather  than  retreat  and  leave 
a  large  district  of  country  exposed  to  secession  ravages.  In  order  to 
meet  the  enemy  on  an  open  field  he  led  his  army  as  far  south  as  Crane 
Creek,  10  miles  below  Springfield.  The  march  commenced  at  5  o'clock, 
on  the  afternoon  of  August  1st.  The  weather  was  intensely  hot — the 
baggage  wagons  were  scattered  over  a  distance  of  three  miles — the 
march  slow,  and  one  of  great  fatigue;  and  it  was  not  until  10  o'clock 
that  the  camping  ground  was  reached  and  the  march  ended,  only  to  be 
resumed  on  the  following  morning,  under  a  burning  sun  and  with  but  a 
very  scanty  supply  of  water.  Slight  skirmishes  occurred  during  the 
day,  but  the  shells  of  Captain  Totten's  battery  caused  a  hasty  retreat 
on  the  part  of  the  rebels.  On  the  arrival  at  Dug  Springs  the  advance 
continued  on,  while  the  skirmishers  maintained  a  brisk  fire  with  the  re- 
treating pickets  of  the  enemy ;  Captain  Steele's  regular  infantry  taking 
the  lead  to  the  left,  supported  by  a  company  of  cavalry,  the  rest  of  the 
column  being  some  distance  in  the  rear.  A  body  of  rebel  infantry  were 
now  seen  approaching  from  the  woods  with  the  design  of  cutting  off 
the  Union  forces.  Captain  Stanley  drew  up  his  ca\*alry,  and  opened 
upon  them  with  Sharp's  carbines.  It  was  a  desperate  imdertaking  to 
keep  the  rebels  in  check — scarce  one  hundred  Union  cavalry  against 
more  than  five  times  that  number  of  the  enemy.  The  rebel  infantry 
kept  up  the  firing  for  some  minutes,  when  an  enthusiastic  lieutenant,  giv- 
ing the  order  to  *'  charge,"  some  twenty-five  of  the  gallant  regulars 
rushed  forward  upon  the  enemy's  lines,  and,  dashing  aside  the  threaten- 


SKIKMISU    AT    ATUEUS,  MISSOURI.     '  157 

ing  bayonets  of  the  sturdy  rebels,  hewed  down  the  ranks  with  fearful 
slaughter.  Captain  Stanley,  who  was  amazed  at  the  temerity  of  the 
little  band,  was  obliged  to  sustain  the  order,  but  before  he  could  reach 
his  company  they  had  broken  the  ranks  of  the  enemy,  who  outnumbered 
them  as  twenty  to  one.  Some  of  the  rebels  who  were  wounded  asked,  in 
utter  astonishment,  "  whether  these  were  men  or  devils — they  light  so  ?  " 

The  ground  was  left  in  possession  of  the  Unionists,  strewed  with 
arms,  and  the  men  were  seizing  the  horses  and  mules  that  had  been . 
left,  when  a  large  force  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  were  seen  approaching — 
some  three  hundred  or  more.  At  the  instant  when  they  had  formed,  in 
an  angle.  Captain  Totten,  who  had  mounted  a  six  and  twelve-pounder 
upon  the  overlooking  hill,  sent  a  shell  directly  over  them ;  in  another 
minute,  the  second,  a  twelve-pound  shell,  landed  at  their  feet,  exploding, 
and  scattering  the  whole  body  in  disorder.  The  third,  fourth,  fifth  and 
sixth  were  sent  into  their  midst.  The  horsemen  could  not  control  their 
horses,  and  in  a  minute  not  an  enemy  was  to  be  seen  anywhere. 

The  Union  loss  was  four  killed  and  five  wounded,  one  of  whom  sub- 
sequently died,  while  that  of  the  enemy  was  very  heavy,  fully  forty 
killed  and  an  hundred  wounded. 

Having  routed  the  enemy.  General  Lyon  continued  his  march  until 
he  arrived  at  Curran,  in  Stone  county,  twenty-six  miles  from  Spring- 
field, where  he  encamped  in  order  to  avail  himself  of  a  choice  of  posi- 
tion. Here,  from  information  that  had  been  obtained  of  the  opposing 
force  and  movements,  a  consultation  was  held  with  Generals  Sweeney 
and  Sigel,  and  Majors  Schofield,  Shepherd,  Conant  and  Sturgis,  and 
Captains  Totten  and  Schaeffer,  when  it  was  determined  to  retire  to- 
wards Springfield.  The  enemy  was  threatening  a  flank  movement,  and 
the  necessity  of  keeping  a  communication  open  with  Springfield  was 
apparent  to  all  the  officers,  and  induced  General  Lyon  to  return  to  that 
point.  An  important  consideration  was,  their  provisions  had  to  be  trans- 
ported one  hundred  miles — the  depot  being  at  RoUa — and  the  men  were 
exhausted  with  the  excessive  heat,  labors  and  privations  of  the  campaign. 

On  the  5  th  of  August  they  encamped  at  and  near  Springfield,  and 
awaited  the  expected  encounter  with  firm  hearts,  resolute  bearing,  and 
a  determination  to  do  or  die. 


SKIEMISH  AT  ATHENS,  MISSOUEI. 

August  6,  1861. 

"While  General  Lyon  and  his  noble  associates  were  'preparing  to  repel 
the  anticipated  attack  of  the  forces  of  McCuUough  and  Price,  another 
event  occurred  that  demands  attention,  and  we  turn  to  the  town  of 


158  THE   WAR   FOR   THE   UNION. 

Athens,  situated  on  the  Des  Moines  river,  twenty-five  or  thirty  miles 
from  Keokuk,  Iowa. 

For  three  or  four  weeks  that  portion  of  Missouri  had  been  in  a  state 
of  anarcliy.  There  had  been  no  security  for  life  or  property,  nor  any 
effectual  efforts  made  to  enforce  the  laws  and  restor^  order.  Actual 
force  had  not  as  yet  been  resorted  to,  but  the  secessionists,  determining 
to  drive  the  Unionists  out  of  the  country,  had  visited  their  houses  in 
squads — insulted  the  women,  and  threatened  death,  both  by  the  rifle  and 
rope,  unless  their  orders  to  leave  the  country  were  complied  with. 
Union  men  and  their  families,  thus  kept  in  a  state  of  perpetual  alarm, 
in  many  instances  abandoned  their  homes  and  possessions,  and  obeying 
the  cruel  command,  left  the  State.  Some  determined  men,  however, 
resolved  not  to  be  trampled  to  the  earth  without  resistance,  and  formed 
companies  of  "Home  Guards;"  but  they  were  powerless  to  protect 
themselves  or  friends  from  assassination,  and  being  scattered  far  apart, 
were  almost  useless  in  a  sudden  emergency.  Day  by  day  the  rebels 
became  more  bold,  until  finally  the  Unionists  went  into  camp,  at  the 
town  of  Cahokia,  eighteen  miles  from  the  Mississippi,  in  Clarke  county, 
about  six  hundred  strong,  with  a  brave  commander  who  had  seen 
service  in  Mexico.  They  soon  received  two  hundred  and  forty  stand- 
of  arms  from  St.  Louis,  and  thus  became,  in  a  measure,  prepared  to 
protect  themselves  and  sustain  their  country's  honor. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  rebels  had  formed  a  camp  at  Monticello,  the 
county  seat  of  Lewis  county,  about  thirty  miles  south  of  Cahokia,  under 
Martin  Green,  a  brother  of  the  ex-Senator. 

A  few  days  subsequently  the  Unionists  received  word  that  Gteen 
was  about  to  attack  them  with  eight  hundred  men,  and  sent  to  Keo- 
kuk and  Warsaw  for  assistance.  Keokuk  did  not  respond,  but  the 
Warsaw  Grays,  Captain  Coster,  fifty  in  number,  went  over  to  the 
Union  camp,  though  with  the  intention  of  acting  only  on  the  defensive ; 
but  no  enemy  appearing,  Colonel  Moore  determined  to  rout  the  prowl- 
ing bands  of  secessionists  who  were  hovering  around  him,  and  for  three 
days  his  men  searched  in  vain  to  find  an  enemy  to  give  them  battle. 
Numerous  secessionists  were  arrested,  but  liberated  on  taking  the  re- 
quired oath,  and  Moore  finally  marched  his  command  to  Athens.  A 
peace  in  the  vicinity  was  proposed  by  the  enemy,  with  the  object  of 
lulling  the  suspicions  of  the  Union  men,  and  inducing  them  to  disperse ; 
and  through  these  influences  the  Colonel  soon  found  his  forces  dwindled 
down  to  one  half  their  original  number. 

But  Green  had  not  been  idle.  Constant  recruiting  had  increased 
his  force  to  nearly  fifteen  hundred  men,  and  he  visited  Scotland  and 
Knox  counties,  driving  out  the  loyal  citizens,  insulting  and  abusing 
their  families,  and  committing  fearful  depredations  upon  them.    At 


BATTLE    OF    WILSOn's    CREEK.  159 

length  it  was  evident  that  he  was  about  to  attack  the  Unionists  at 
Athens,  and  again  they  sent  to  Keokuk  for  assistance.  Seventy  of  the 
miUtia  froijS  that  place  went  up  to  Croton,  a  small  town  on  the  Iowa 
side  of  the  Des  Moines  river,  opposite  Athens,  but  refused  to  cross. 
Moore,  however,  received  reinforcements  until  his  command  reached 
four  hundred,  and  encamped  in  the  town,  awaiting  the  moment  of  ac- 
tion, with  his  main  force  stationed  on  a  street  parallel  to,  and  his  right 
and  left  wings  extending  to  the  river. 

There  and  in  this  order  the  Federalists  were  attacked  by  a  force  of 
from  twelve  to  fifteen  hundred  men,  with  no  chance  of  retreat,  except 
by  fording  a  stream  fully  three  hundred  yards  in  width,  and  exposed  to 
a  murderous  fire.  They  were  without  artillery,  while  the  enemy  had 
an  eight-pounder,  which  w^as  placed  on  the  brow  of  the  hill,  in  a  posi- 
tion to  rake  the  principal  street,  while  two  imitation  guns  were  placed  in 
sight,  intended  to  inspire  a  fear,  which  few  men  of  that  little  band  were 
capable  of  experiencing.  The  attack  opened  between  five  and  six 
o'clock  in  the  morning.  At  its  very  commencement,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Callahan,  who  commanded  a  company  of  cavalry  in  the  rebel  ranks,  re- 
tired across  the  river  and  continued  his  flight  until  he  reached  the 
Mississippi  river  at  Montrose. 

A  portion  of  Moore's  infantry  were  also  seized  with  a  momentary 
panic,  and  fled  across  the  river;  but  on  seeing  their  companions  stand 
firm,  many  returned  and  took  part  in  the  action.  About  three  hundred 
only  of  the  Unionists  bore  the  brunt,  and  firm  as  regulars,  delivered  their 
fire  with  coolness  and  precision. 

The  fight,  regular  and  irregular,  lasted  about  an  hour  and  a  half,  and 
then  Colonel  Moore  led  his  centre  to  a  chai'ge,  which  routed  the  enemy, 
and  left  him  and  his  brave  associates  undisputed  masters  of  the  field. 
The  loss  of  the  Unionists  was  ten  killed  and  the  same  number  wounded, 
and  that  of  the  rebels  fourteen  killed  and  forty  wounded. 


BATTLE    or    WILSON'S    OEEEK 
August  10,  18G1. 

General  Lyon  having  returned  to  Springfield  after  his  expedition  to 
Curran,  found  himself  greatly  embarrassed  by  his  position,  and  was 
forced  by  circumstances  to  determine  the  question  whether  he  should, 
with  his  inferior  force,  give  battle  to  the  enemy  now  pressing  upon  him, 
or  attempt  a  retreat  to  Rolla,  encumbered  with  an  immense  train,  and 
exposed  to  the  probability  of  being  compelled  to  defend  himself  at  any 
point  on  the  route  where  they  might  see  fit  to  attack  -Jiim.  Their 
cavalry  force  was  large,  and  with  this  they  could  by  their  celerity  of 


160  THE   TVAB-FOE   TUE    USiON. 

movement  culi  off  his  communication  and  flank  him  whenever  disposed. 
His  appeals  for  reinforcements  had  not  been  granted,  yet  he  was  daily- 
indulging  the  hope  that  he  would  soon  be  furnished  a  sufficient  force  to 
enable  him  to  meet  the  enemy  with  a  reasonable  prospect  of  success. 
The  days  were  passing  on,  the  enemy  was  drawing  nearer,  and  General 
Lyon  was  compelled  to  make  his  decision.  The  alternative  was  before 
jim,  either  to  retreat  and  leave  the  finest  section  of  the  State  open  to 
the  ravages  of  the  enemy,  or  make  the  attempt  to  expel  the  foe,  even 
though  he  might  sacrifice  his  own  army  in  the  effort.  On  the  afternoon 
of  the  ninth  of  August,  he  held  a  consultation  with  his  officers,  when 
after  a  full  discussion  of  the  question,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  attack 
the  enemy  in  his  camp  at  Wilson's  Creek,  nine  miles  south  of  Spring- 
field. The  attack  was  to  be  made  simultaneously  by  two  columns,  at 
daylight  on  the  following  morning,  Saturday  the  10th  ;  the  first  under 
command  of  General  Lyon  and  the  second  under  General  Sigel. 

The  rebel  leaders  were  Generals  Sterling  Price,  Ben  McCulloch  and 
Brigadier-General  John  B.  Clark.  Somewhat  singularly,  both  parties 
had  planned  an  attack  at  the  same  hour,  but  the  darkness  of  the  night 
induced  the  rebels  to  postpone  their  movement.  Their  tents  were 
pitched  on  either  side  of  WUson's  Creek,  extending  a  mile  east  and 
south  of  the  road,  crossing  to  two  miles  west  and  north  of  the  same," 
the  creek  running  nearly  in  the  shape  of  a  horizontal  m.  At  the  cross- 
ing of  the  Fayette  road  the  hills  on  each  side  of  the  stream  are  from 
two  to  three  hundred  feet  high,  sloping  gently  on  the  north,  and  abrupt 
to  the  south  side.    The  valley  is  about  half  a  mile  wide. 

While  on  th«  verge  of  this,  his  last  engagement.  General  Lyon  was 
impressed  with  a  sad  presentiment— not  regarding  his  own  fate— but  a 
fear  for  his  brave  command.  A  terrible  responsibility  rested  upon  him. 
With  no  adequate  strength  with  which  to  cope  with  the  enemy,  hem- 
med in  and  growing  weaker  every  day,  his  position  was  both  perilous 
and  painful.  Unsupported,  with  his  cry  for  help  passed  over,  he  saw 
nothing  before  him  but  the  barren  satisfaction  of  dying,  bravely  per- 
forming his  duty,  and  protecting  to  "the  last  the  little  army  that  he  felt 
to  be  doomed.  With  these  feelings— sadly  bitter  they  must  have  been — 
this  glorious  man  entered  upon  his  last  battle  field. 

The  following  day  was  one  of  remarkable  quiet,  and  enlistments  in 
the  Springfield  regiment  went  on  rapidly.  During  the  afternoon,  Cap- 
tain Woods'  Kansas  cavalry,  with  one  or  two  companies  of  regulars, 
drove  five  hundred  rebel  rangers  from  the  prairie  west  of  the  town, 
capturing  eight  and  killing  two  men,  without  loss  on  their  part. 

At  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening.  General  Sigel,  with  six  pieces  of 
ftrtillery  and  part  of  Colonel  Salomon's  command,  moved  southward, 
marching  until  near  two  o'clock,  and  passing  around  the  extreme  camp 


BATTLE    OF   •WrLS0N''3   CEEEK.  161 

of  the  enemy,  where  he  halted,  ready  to  press  forward  as  soon  as  he 
should  be  apprised  by  the  roar  of  General  Lyon's  artillery  that  the 
attack  had  begun.  The  main  body,  under  General  Lyon,  had  moved 
at  the  same  time,  and  halted  about  five  miles  west  of  the  city,  from 
whence,  after  resting,  they  proceeded  again  about  four  miles  in  a  south- 
westerly direction,  and  slept  until  4  A.  m.  on  Saturday,  the  day  of  battle. 

At  five  o'clock  the  pickets  of  the  enemy  were  driven  in,  and  the 
northern  end  of  the  valley,  with  its  thousands  of  tents  and  camp  fires, 
became  visible,  and  this  most  destructive  battle,  when  the  numbers  en- 
gaged are  considered,  commenced.  The  roar  of  the  artillery  was  ter- 
rible,— the  rattling  of  the  musket-balls  was  like  a  storm  of  great  hail- 
stones, and  the  clash  of  steel  like  hammers  ringing  on  countless  anvils. 

Riding  forward  in  the  thick  of  the  fight,  his  war-horse  bearing  him 
more  proudly  than  usual,  that  fatal  day.  General  Lyon  performed  the 
work  of  a  dozen  heroes.  A  stern  sadness  was  on  his  face — a  resolute 
fire  burned  in  the  gray  depths  of  his  eyes.  Twice  was  he  wounded, 
leading  on  his  men,  and  his  war-steed  fell  under  him,  pierced  to  the 
heart  with  a  bullet.  Those  who  loved  him  grew  anxious  for  his  safety, 
for  there  was  something  wonderful  in  the  steady  courage  that  made 
him  forget  the  wounds  that  would  have  driven  another  man  from  the 
field. 

A  member  of  his  staflf  approached  him  as  he  stood  by  his  dead  horse, 
and  seeing  blood  upon  his  forehead,  asked  if  he  was  hurt. 

"  I  think  not  seriously,"  he  answered ;  and  mounting  another  horse, 
he  plunged  again  into  the  terrible  melee. 

At  one  time,  when  the  whirlwind  of  battle  was  at  its  height.  General 
Lyon  desired  his  men  to  prepare  for  a  charge,  and  the  lowans  at  once 
volunteered  to  go,  and  asked  for  a  leader.  On  came  the  enemy,  crush- 
ing in  their  strength,  anj^  there  was  no  time  for  choice. 

"I  will  lead  you,"  exclaimed  the  impetuous  and  fearless  General. 
"  Come  on,  brave  boys,"  said  he,  as  he  took  his  position  in  the  van,  while 
General  Sweeney  prepared  to  lead  on  a  portion  of  the  Kansas  troops, 
and  the  serried  ranks  of  glittering  deadly  steel  resistlessly  moved  on. 

In  the  very  act  of  leading  those  valiant  men,  with  his  hand  uplifted 
in  an  effort  to  cheer  them  on,  and  his  noble  face  turned  partly  to  his 
command,  but  not  altogether  away  from  the  enemy,  a  bullet  pierced  him, 
and  he  fell,  regretted  not  only  by  his  devoted  little  army,  but  by  every 
man,  woman  and  child  who  ever  heard  how  bravely  he  fought  for  the 
flag  they  love. 

The  battle  continued  from  six  vntil  eleven  o'clock,  with  but  little  ces- 
sation ;  and  then  the  gallant  Unionists,  overwhelmed  by  superior  num- 
bers, were  forced  to  retreat.  In  good  order  they  accomplished  it,  and 
ihe  enemy  made  no  attempt  to  follow^  though  their  combined  forces 
11 


162 


THK   WAR   FOR   THE   UNIOX. 


amounted  to  about  20,000,  while  General  Lyon's  command  did  not  ex- 
ceed one-quarter  of  that  number. 


DEATH    OF   OEXERAL   LYON. 


Th6  Federal  loss  was  223  killed,  721  wounded  and  292  missing;  the 
rebel  loss,  (McCulloch's  report,)  265  killed,  800  wounded,  30  missing ; 
Price's  report  of  Missouri  troops,  156  killed  and  517  wounded. 

The  death  of  the  brave  General  Lyon  was  universally  deplored. 
Countless  were  the  tributes  to  his  memory,  and  deep  the  sorrow  when 
Ills  body  was  borne  homeward,  surrounded  with  military  honors.  From 
amid  the  murky  smoke  and  fearful  glare  of  battle  his  soul  was  called 
home — the  flashing  eye  dimmed — the  good  right  hand  unnerved,  and 
the  fiery  spirit,  that  scorned  danger  and  hated  treason,  was  quenchc>d 
forever. 


SKETCH  OF  GENERAL  LYON. 

Brigadier-General  Nathaniel  Lyon  was  born  in  the  State  of  Connec- 
ticut, in  the  year  1818,  and  entered  the  military  academy  at  West 
Point  in  1837,  where  he  graduated  four  years  afterwards  with  the  rank 
of  Second-Lieutenant  of  the  Second  Infantry.  In  February,  1847,  he 
was  made  First-Lieutenant,  and  for  gallant  conduct  in  the  battles  of 
Contreras  and  Clierubusco,  during  the  following  August,  was  breveted 
Captain.     On  the  13th  of  September  he  was  severely  Wounded  in  a 


BATTLE    OF   WILSONS   CREEK,  163 

most  desperate  assault,  and  in  June,  1851,  was  promoted  to  a  captaincy, 
which  rank  he  held  at  the  time  of  the  troubles  in  Kansas.  As  has 
been  stated,  he  was  in  command  of  the  Missouri  Volunteers  at  the  cap- 
ture of  Camp  Jackson,  and  was  for  his  well-proven  bravery  and  eminent 
ability,  promoted  to  the  rank  which  he  held  "at  the  time  of  his  death. 
In  personal  appearance  he  was  about  five  feet  and  eight  inches  in  height, 
his  frame  wiry  and  muscular.  His  hair  was  long  and  thick,  his  whis- 
kers sandy  and  heavy,  and  his  eyes  of  a  blueish  gray.  His  forehead  was 
high  and  broad,  with  a  firm  expression  of  the  lips,  and  a  countenance 
that  indicated  an  intellect  of  no  ordinary  capacity.  He  was  a  strict 
disciplinarian,  endeared  to  his  soldiers,  and  universally  regretted  by  the 
whole  country  which  followed  him  to  the  grave  with  de6p  and  mourn- 
ful affection.  In  his  will,  made  before  he  started  on  his  last  campaign, 
he  left  his  entire  property  to  the  country  for  which  he  gave  his  life. 

RETREAT    OF   THE    UJflON    ARiTT. 

The  Federal  troops  remained  in  Springfield  untU  Monday  morning, 
and  then  started  on  their  retreat  towards  RoUa,  unmolested  by  the 
rebels.  The  enemy  entered  the  town  immediately  after  its  evacuation 
by  the  Federal  foi'ces,  having  suffered  the  loss  of  a  large  portion  of 
their  tents,  baggage  and  camp  stores  by  the  attack  of  Sigel. 

Hundreds  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  section  were  now  compelled  to 
leave  their  homes,  and  the  exiles  were  seen  every  day  on  the  roads  lead- 
ing to  St.  Louis,  fleeing. for  refuge  beyond  the  lines  of  the  insurgents, 
plundered  of  everything  and  destitute,  having  been  forced  to  abandon 
their  homes  and  property  to  save  their  lives. 

The  loyal  people  who  remained  were  favored  with  proclamations  by 
McCulloch  and  Price,  which  abounded  in  abuse  and  misrepresentation 
of  the  Federal  army,  and  were  filled  with  professions  and  promises 
which  strikingly  contrasted  with  their  administration  and  conduct. 

This  calamity  was  not  merely  disastrous  by  its  positive  loss,  but  it 
gave  a  prestige  of  success  to  the  rebel  leaders,  and  afforded  an  oppor- 
tunity for  them  to  increase  the  spirit  of  rebellion  among  the  people,  as 
well  as  to  nerve  themselves  to  other  enterprises.  On  the  1 7th,  fifteen 
hundred  recruits  had  assembled  in  Saline  county,  and  were  preparing  to 
join  General  Price,  or  to  engage  in  local  operations  in  the  surrounding 
counties.  On  the  18th,  about  one  thousand  men  from  Chariton  county 
crossed  the  Missouri  at  Brunswick,  with  a  large  number  of  horses  and 
wagons,  on  their  march  to  join  Price's  division. 

The  rebels  were  so  much  elated  with  the  death  of  General  Lyon  and 
the  abandonment  of  Springfield  by  the  Federal  troops,  that  they  became 
more  reckless  than  .ever  in  their  depredations  and  persecutions  of  the 
loyal  citizens.    In  St.  Louis,  on  the  14th,  after  the  retreat  became 


164  THE    WAR   FOR   THE    UNIOW. 

known,  they  became  sb  bold  and  defiant  that  General  Fremont  pro- 
claimed martial  law,  and  appointed  Major  J.  McKinstry  as  Provost- 
Marshal. 

On  the  20th,  a  train  on  the  Hannibal  and  St.  Joseph's  railroad  was 
fired  into,  and  one  soldier  killed  and  six  wounded.  The  train  was  imme- 
diately stopped,  and  two  of  the  guerrillas  were  killed  and  five  captured. 

Five  days  afterwards,  on  the  25th,  Governor  Gamble  issued  a  pro- 
clamation calling  for  forty-two  thousand  volunteers  to  defend  the  State, 
restore  peace  and  subdue  the  insurrection ;  the  term  of  service  to  be  six 
months,  unless  sooner  discharged. 


KENTUCKY. 


Kentucky  occupies  a  central  position  among  the  States,  and  is  about 
four  hundred  miles  in  length,  by  one  hundred  and  seventy  in  width  at 
the  widest  point,  where  the  State  stretches  from  the  boundary  of  Ten- 
nessee across  to  Covington,  opposite  Cincinnati,  on  the  Ohio  river. 
This  river,  from  the  Virginia  line,  follows  a  circuitous  course  along  the 
Kentucky  border,  a  distance  of  six  hundred  and  thirty-seven  miles,  until 
it  flows  into  the  Mississippi  at  Cairoi  The  Cumberland  and  Tennessee 
rivers  pass  through  the  western  part  of  the  State,  as  they  approach 
their  confluence  with  the  Ohio.  Big  Sandy  river,  two  hundred  and 
fi*ly  miles  in  length,  forms  for  a  considerable  distance  the  boundary  be- 
tween Kentucky  and  Virginia.  The  Kentucky  river  rises  in  the  Cum- 
berland Mountains  and  falls  into  the  Ohio  river  fifty  miles  above  Louis- 
ville. These  geographical  facts  are  necessary  to  a  perfect  understanding 
of  the  struggles  in  that  State,  and  are  worthy  of  remembrance. 

^Vhen  the  President  of  the  United  States,  on  the  15th  of  April,  1861, 
issued  his  proclamation,  in  which  the  Governors  of  the  States  that  had 
not  already  committed  themselves  to  the  cause  of  secession,  were  called 
upon  to  furnish  their  quota  of  seventy-five  thousand  men  for  the  national 
defence,  Beriah  Magoftin,  Governor  of  Kentucky,  rephed  by  saying, 
that,  "  Kentucky  will  furnish  no  troops  for  the  wicked  purpose  of  sub- 
duing her  sister  States." 

This  act  was  looked  upon  with  both  sorrow  and  surprise  by  the 
loyal  people  of  that  State,  and  was  hailed  with  delight  by  the  Con- 
federate Government  at  INIontgomery.  The  rebel  Secretary  of  War  con- 
gratulated Governor  MagoflTni  on  his  "  patriotic "  response,  informed 
him  that  Virginia  needed  aid,  and  requested  him  to  send  forward  a 
regiment  of  infantry  without  delay  to  Harper's  Ferry.  Though  sym- 
pathizing with  the  enemies  of  the  Union,  Governor  Magoffin  wan  not 
prepared  to  set  at  defiance  the  wishes  of  the  people  of  Kentucky,  and 


r 


KENTUCKY.  165 


commit  himself  unqualifiedly  to  the  work  of  overthrowing  the  Federal 
Government. 

Many  of  the  prominent  men  of  Kentucky,  including  a  large  number 
of  the  wealthy  citizens,  were  zealous  in  the  promotion  of  the  secession 
interests.  The  most  indefatigable  efforts  were  made  by  them  to  force 
the  State  into  the  ranks  of  the  revolted  States,  and  thousands  of  her 
young  men  Avere  induced  to  enlist,  and  encamp  on  the  adjoining  borders 
of  Tennessee,  waiting  for  the  hour  when  they  could  sweep  Kentucky 
with  the  rush  of  armed  battalions,  and  overwhelm  her  peace  and  pros- 
perity with  the  clash  of  arms,  and  the  thunders  of  artillery.  The  loyal 
sentiment  was,  however,  in  the  ascendant,  although  it  was  subdued  and 
overawed  to  a  considerable  extent.  Between  the  two  forces,  therefore, 
it  was  deemed  expedient  by  her  rulers  that  Kentucky  should  hold  a 
neutral  position,  and  not  ally  herself  with  either  the  Federal  or  the 
Confederate  interest. 

To  render  this  neutrality  more  certain,  on  the  8th  of  June,  General  S. 
B.  Buckner,  then  the  acknowledged  commander  of  the  State  militia,  en- 
tered into  negotiations  with  General  McClellan,  at  Cincinnati,  the  terms 
of  which  stipulated  that  Kentucky  should  protect  the  United  States  prop-' 
erty,  and  enforce  all  the  United  States  laws  within  her  limits — that  her 
neutrality  should  be  respected  by  the  Federal  army,  even  though  the  South- 
ern forces  shojild occupy  her  soil ;  "  but  in  the  latter  case  General  McClellan 
should  call  upon  the  authorities  of  the  State  to  remove  the  said  South- 
ern forces  from  her  territory ; "  if  the  State  were  unable  to  accomplish 
this,  then  the  Federal  forces  might  be  called  in. 

This  negiative  position  was  found,  however,  to  be  one  of  positive  ad- 
vantage and  aid  to  the  traitors.  They  desired  to  secure  a  "  masterly 
inactivity"  on  the  part  of  loyal  men,  of  which  they  might  avail  them- 
selves by  secret  organizations.  Taking  advantage  of  this  confessed  neu- 
trality, large  numbers  of  the  young  men  of  Kentucky  were  enticed  into 
Buckner's  camp ;  while  bodies  of  men  from  Tennessee  were  thrown  into 
several  localities  in  the  southern  and  western  portions  of  the  State,  and 
boldly  avowed  their  determination  to  march  on  Frankfort,  the  capital, 
and  revolutionize  the  State.  Home  Guards  were  organized  by  the  loyal 
men,  and  it  became  apparent,  that  if  the  tide  were  not  resisted  by  ac- 
tive measures,  there  was  no  security  for  Kentucky. 

The  election  for  members  of  the  Legislature,  however,  early  in 
August,  the  result  of  which  showed  an  overwhelming  majority  in  favor 
of  the  Union,  signed  the  death-warrant  of  neutrality,  and  thenceforth 
Kentucky  was  regarded  as  loyal  to  the  Union.  The  Legislature  assem- 
bled at  Frankfort  on  the  5th  of  September,  ordered  the  United  States 
flag  to  be  hoisted  on  the  cou'^t-house,  and  proceeded  to  adopt  various 
measures  calculated  to  promote  the  Union  cause  in  the  State. 


SECTION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  RIVER. 

8H0WIKQ     THE     DIOTANCtS     FBOM     NEW     ORLEANS. 


SECTION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  RIVEE. 

8HOWINO     THE     DISTANCES     FROM     NEW     OKLEANS. 


168  THE   WAR   FOlt   THE    UNION". 

The  great  Union  majority  now  revealed  gave  such  decided  evidence 
that  Kentucky  was  not  likely  to  be  seduced  from  her  loyalty,  that  the 
Becessionists  became  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  accomplishing  their 
purpose  by  other  means.  The  rebel  forces  were,  therefore,  ordered  to 
take  possession  of  several  important  points,  which  they  did  on  the  4lh 
of  September,  and  commenced  fortifying  Hickman  and  Columbus-^the 
former  being  in  the  western  part  of  the  State,  near  the  line,  and  the 
latter  some  twenty-five  miles  further  north,  on  the  Mississippi  river. 
Generals  Pillow  and  Polk  now  took  command  of  the  rebel  troops,  and 
were  soon  reinforced,  their  combined  forces  amounting  to  thirteen  regi- 
ments of  artillery,  six  field  batteries,  a  siege  battery,  three  battalions 
of  cavalry,  three  steamers,  and  a  gunboat.  In  the  mean  time,  Jefferson 
Thompson,  with  two  regiments,  took  possession  of  Belmont,  on  the 
Missouri  side,  opposite  Columbus,  The  assumed  neutrality  having  thus 
been  broken  by  this  invasion,  the  Federal  commander,  General  U. 
S.  Grant,  then  at  Cairo,  Illinois,  lost  no  time  in  making  a  movement  to 
intercept  the  further  progress  of  the  rebels  northward.  lie  accordingly 
sent  a  sufticient  force  up  the  Ohio,  to  the  mouth  of  the  Tennessee  river, 
and  effected 

THE    OOOUPATION    OF    PADUCAH, 

On  Thursday  evening,  the  5th  of  September,  the  gunboats*  Tyler 
and  Conestoga  were  ordered  to  convey  the  troops  to  Paducah.  The 
Ninth  lUinois,  under  the  gallant  Major  Philips,  and  the  Twelfth  Illinois, 
Colonel  John  McArthur,  with  four  pieces  of  Smith's  Chicago  Artillery, 
under  Lieutenant  Charles  Willard,  embarked  on  the  steamers  G.  W. 
Graham  and  W.  H.  B.,  and  left  Cairo  at  11  o'clock,  p.  m.,  the  gunboat 
Tyler,  Captain  Rogers,  leading,  and  the  Conestoga,  Captain  Phelps,  in 
the  rear.  The  fleet  pushed  out  into  the  stream  amid  the  cheers  of 
thousands  of  spectators,  and  steamed  grandly  up  the  Ohio. 

They  reached  Paducah  about  eight  o'clock,  a.  m.,  on  Friday,  the  6th. 
The  troops  were  speedily  disembarked.  Colonel  McArthur's  regiment 
landed  at  the  ^larine  Hospital,  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city,  and  the 
Ninth  at  the  foot  of  Main  street.  The  Twelfth  found  quarters  at  the 
hospital,  and  the  Ninth  repaired  to  the  depot  of  the  Ohio  and  New  Or- 
leans railroad.  ITie  citizens  were  sullen  and  unfriendly,  and  closed 
their  places  of  business. 

On  arriving  at  the  depot  the  troops  found  that  the  rolling  stock  of 
the  road  had  all  been  removed,  but  a  large  quantity  of  stores  for  the 
confederate  army  was  discovered,  and  promptly  seized.  They  were 
marked  for  Memphis,  New  Orleans,  and  other  peints  south,  and  were 
worth  about  >  20,000. 


THE    OCCUPATION    OF    PADUCAII.  169 

Captain  Rogers  immediately  took  possession  of  the  telegraph  office. 
The  post-tffice  was  next  visited,  and  a  large  amount  of  rebel  corres- 
pondence secured.  Five  companies  of  infantry,  and  a  battery  of  Smith's 
Light  Artillery,  Lieutenant  Willard,  were  sent  under  Major  Philips 
dovm  the  railroad  about  seven  miles  without  meeting  any  of  the  rebel 
troops.  Pillow  was  reported  to  be  advancing,  and  a  large  bridge  and 
trestle  work  were  burnt  to  prevent  him  from  reaching  Paducah  and 
falling  upon  the  place  by  surprise. 

A  rumor  became  current  that  a  large  force  of  rebels  from  Tennessee 
were  on  their  way  down  the  Tennessee  river  in  steamboats.  To  ascer- 
tain the  facts,  and  to  intercept  their  progress,  the  gunboat  Conestoga 
was  dispatched  up  the  river  some  thirteen  miles  to  watch  the  rebel 
movements,  and  to  capture  suspicious  vessels.  Although  no  hostile 
forces  were  seen,  a  steamer  was  discovered  on  Friday,  which,  on  seeing 
the  Conestoga,  turned  about,  was  run  ashore,  and  the  officers  and  crew 
abandoned  her.  It  was  the  Jeiferson,  a  small  stern- wheel  boat,  loaded  with 
a  cargo  of  tobacco.  On  Saturday  the  Conestoga  captured  a  fine  propel- 
ler, called  the  John  Gault,  and  a  boat  called  the  Pocahontas,  belonging 
to  John  Bell,  of  Tennessee.     The  prizes  were  all  safely  taken  to  Cairo. 

The  inhabitants  of  Paducah  were  now  seized  with  panic,  and  large 
numbers  left  the  town,  apprehending  an  attack  from  Pillow,  in  which  case 
they  expected  the  gunboats  would  freely  use  shell.  On  Saturday  part 
of  Colonel  Oglesby's  Eighth  regiment,  the  Forty-first  Illinois,  and  the 
American  Zouave  regiment,  from  Cape  Girandeau.  entered  the  town, 
increasing  the  forces  to  about  5,000  men. 

THE  KEBEL  TROOPS  ORDERED  TO  WITHDRAW  FROM  KENTUCKY. 

On  the  9th  of  September  a  dispatch  from  General  Polk  to  Governor 
Magoffin  was  laid  before  the  Legislature,  the  substance  of  which  was 
that  he  had  occupied  Columbus  and  Hickman,  on  account  of  reliable 
information  that  the  Federal  forces  were  about  to  possess  those  points ; 
that  he  considered  the  safety  of  Western  Tennessee  and  of  the  rebel 
army  in  the  vicinity  of  Hickman  and  Columbus  demanded  their  occupa- 
tion, and  that,  as  a  corroboration  of  that  information,  the  Federal  troops 
had  been  drawn  up  in  line  on  the  river  opposite  to  Columbus  prior  to 
its  occupation  by  them,  causing  many  of  the  citizens  of  Columbus  to  flee 
from  their  homes  for  fear  of  the  entrance  of  the  Federal  troops.  General 
Polk  proposed  substantially  that  the  Federal  and  rebel  forces  should  be 
simultaneously  withdrawn  from  Kentucky,  and  to  enter  into  recogni- 
zances and  stipulations  to  respect  the  neutrality  of  the  State. 

But  it  was  well  kno\<-n  that  the  cry  of  neutrality  was  only  an  inven- 
tion of  the  enemy  to  work  his  plans  in  Kentucky,  so  that  when  the 
appointed  time  should  come  Kentucky  Avould  swarm  with  rebels  from 


170  '    THE  WAR  FOB  THE  UNION. 

Tennessee  and  Virginia ;  and  two  days  afterwards  both  branches  of  the 
Legislature,  by  a  vote  of  Yl  to  26,  adopted  a  resolution  directing  the 
Governor  to  issue  a  proclamation  ordering  the  rebel  troops  then  en- 
camped in  the  State  to  evacuate  Kentucky.  A  counter-resolution, 
ordering  both  Federal  and  rebel  troops  to  leave  the  soil,  was  negatived 
under  the  rules  of  order.  Governor  Magoffin  accordingly  issued  a 
proclamation  to  the  effect  that  "  the  government  of  the  Confederate 
States,  the  State  of  Tennessee,  and  all  others  concerned,  are  hereby 
informed  that  Kentucky  expects  the  Confederate  or  Tennessee  troops 
to  be  withdrawn  from  her  soil  unconditionally." 

ATTEMPT   TO   FORM   A   REVOLUTIONARY   GOVERNMENT  IN  THE   STATE. 

After  this  decisive  action  of  the  Legislature,  which  effectually  de- 
stroyed the  hopes  entertained  by  the  conspirators  of  obtaining  a  sem- 
blance of  legal  authority  for  their  designs,  their  next  expedient  was  to 
hold  an  informal  meeting  at  Kusselville,  a  small  town  in  the  southern 
portion  of  the  State,  on  the  29th  of  October.  Here  they  drew  up  a 
declaration  of  grievances,  in  which  they  charged  the  majority  of  the 
Legislature  with  having  betrayed  their  solemn  trust,  by  inviting  into 
the  State  the  "  armies  of  Lincoln,"  with  having  abdicated  the  govern- 
ment in  favor  of  a  military  despotism,  and  thrown  upon  the  people  and 
the  State  the  horrors  and  ravages  of  war.  They  recommended  the  im- 
mediate arming  of  a  "Guard"  in  each  county,  of  not  less  than  one  hun- 
dred men,  to  be  paid  as  Confederate  troops,  subject  to  the  orders  of  the 
"  Commanding-General."  Finally,  they  called  for  a  Convention  to  be 
held  at  Russelville,  on  the  18th  of  November,  to  be  "elected,  or  ap- 
pointed in  any  manner  possible,"  by  the  people  of  t]xe  several  counties, 
for  the  purpose  of  "  severing  forever  our  connection  with  the  Federal 
Government." 

John  C.  Breckinridge,  late  Vice-President  of  the  United  States,  was 
appointed  one  of  the  commissioners  to  carry  out  the  orders  of  the  con- 
vention. This  Convention  met  at  the  time  designated,  composed  of 
about  two  hundred  persons,  professing  to  represent  sixty-five  counties, 
though  self-appointed,  and  without  any  form  of  election.  On  the  20th 
of  November  they  adopted  a  "  Declaration  of  Independence,  and  an 
Ordinance  of  Secession,"  and  appointed  a  "  Provisional  Government, 
consisting  of  a  Governor,  and  a  Legislative  Council  of  Ten,"  and  dis- 
patched IL  C.  Burnett,  "W.  E.  Simms,  and  William  Preston,  as  com 
missioners  to  the  Confederate  States.  On  the  9th  of  December,  the 
"  Congress  "  of  the  Confederate  States,  in  session  at  Richmond,  passed 
an  "  Act  for  the  admission  of  the  State  of  Kentuck  f  into  the  Confeder- 
ate States  of  America,"  as  a  member  "  on  equal  footing  with  the  other 
States  of  the  Confederacy." 


M. 


KKNTirCKT.  171 

George  W.  Johnson,  of  Scott  county,  who  was  chosen  as  Provisional 
Governor,  by  the  Convention,  in  his  "  Message,"  declared  his"  willing-' 
ness  to  resign  "  whenever  the  regularly  elected  Governor  [Magofiin] 
should  escape  from  his  virtual  imprisonment  at  Frankfort." 

Governor  Magoffin,  in  a  letter,  dated  December  13, 18(51,  says  of  this 
Convention,  "  I  condemn  its  action  in  unqualified  terms.  Situated  as  it 
was,  and  without  authority  from  the  people,  it  cannot  be  justified  by 
similar  revolutionary  acts  in  other  States,  by  minorities  to  overthrow 
the  State  Governments.  My  position  is,  and  has  been,  and  will  continue 
to  be,  to  abide  by  the  will  of  the  majority  of  the  people  of  the  State,  to 
stand  by  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  State  of  Kentucky,  as  ex- 
pounded by  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  State,  and  by  the  Constitution 
and  laws  of  the  United  States,  as  expounded  by  the  Supreme  CoUrt  of 
the  United  States.  To  this  position  I  shall  cling  in  this  trying  hour  as 
the  last  hope  of  society  and  of  constitutional  liberty." 

inLlTAEY  MOVEMENTS    OF   THE  EEBELS   IN"  KENTUCKY. 

While  Pillow  and  Polk  were  invading  the  south-western  part  of  the 
State,  General  ZolUcoffer  was  operating  in  the  east.  With  some  six 
thousand  rebels  he  came  to  Cumberland  Ford — which  is  situated  near 
the  point  where  the  corner  of  Virginia  runs  into  Kentucky — capturing 
a  company  of  Home  Guards.  On  the  1 7th  of  September  the  Legislature 
received  a  message  from  Governor  Magoffin  communicating  a  tele- 
graphic dispatch  from  General  Zollicoffer,  announcing  that  the  safety 
of  Tennessee  demanded  the  occupation  of  Cumberland  and  the  three 
long  mountains  in  Kentucky,  and  that  he  had  occupied  them,  and 
should  retain  his  position  until  the  Federal  forces  were  withdrawn  and 
the  Federal  camp  broken  up. 

That  portion  of  Kentucky  lying  west  of  the  Cumberland  river  was 
then  declared  under  insurrectionary  control,  and  Secretary  Chase  in- 
structed the  Surveyor  at  Cairo  to  prevent  all  commercial  intercourse 
with  that  section,  and  to  search  all  baggage  and  all  persons  going 
thither.  Just  about  the  same  time  the  gunboat  Conestoga  captured 
the  rebel  steamers  Stephenson  and  Gazelle,  on  the  Cumberland,  and  one 
of  them  was  found  to  contain  one  hundred  tons  of  iron. 

DECISIVE    MEASURES    OF   THE   LOYAL   STATE    GOVERNMENT. 

When  the  seditious  plans  of  General  Buckner  became  too  plain  for 
concealment,  the  Legislature  found  it  necessary  to  depose  him  from  the 
command  of  the  State  troops,  and  General  Thomas  L.  Crittenden,  a 
loyal  citizen,  was  appointed  to  fill  that  position.  Governor  Magoffin, 
in  obedience  to  the  resolutions  and  the  enactments  of  the  Legislature, 
promptly  issued  a  proclamation,  authorizing  that  officer  to  execute  the 


i 

172  THE    WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 

purposes  contemplated  by  the  resolutions  of  the  Legislature  in  reference 
to  the  expulsion  of  the  invaders,  and  General  Crittenden  ordered  the 
military  to  muster  forthwith  into  service.  Hamilton  Pope,  Brigadier- 
General  of  the  Home  Guard  (Union),  called  on  the  people  of  each  ward 
in  Louisville  to  meet  and  organize  into  companies  for  the  protection  of 
the  city. 

Great  excitement  existed  at  this  time  in  Louisville.  The  Union  Home 
Guards  began  to  assemble,  while  other  Union  forces  were  arriving  and 
being  sent  to  different  portions  of  the  State.  At  nine  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  the  18th,  when  the  Government  troops  reached  Rolling 
Fork,  five  miles  north  of  ^luldragh's  Ilill,  they  found  that  the  bridge 
over  the  fork  had  been  burned  by  rebels  imder  General  Buckner,  who 
were  then  upon  the  hill. 

The  Legislature  passed,  over  the  veto  of  the  Governor,  a  resolution 
to  the  effect  that,  as  the  rebels  had  invaded  Kentucky  and  insolently 
dictated  the  terms  upon  which  they  would  retire.  General  Robert  An- 
derson, the  hero  of  Fort  Sumter,  one  of  Kentucky's  sons,  should  be 
invited  to  take  instant  charge  of  that  department,  and  that  the  Gov- 
ernor must  call  out  a  sufficient  force  to  expel  the  invaders  from  her  soil. 
General  Anderson,  who  had  been  previously  appointed  by  the  Govern- 
ment to  command  in  Kentucky,  responded  to  the  call,  and  on  the  21st 
of  September  issued  a  proclamation  calling  upon  the  people  of  Kentucky 
to  rally  to  the  support  of  the  Union. 

General  S.  B.  Buckner,  who  had  previously  acted  under  neutrality 
pretences,  now  gradually  assumed  an  attitude  of  hostility,  and  in  Sep- 
tember was  openly  arrayed  against  the  Government.  On  the  12th 
he  issued  an  inflammatory  proclamation  to  the  people  of  Kentucky,  in 
which  he  declared  that  he  sought  to  make  no  war  upon  the  Union,  but 
only  against  the  tyranny  and  despbtism  of  the  Federal  Government, 
which  was  about  to  make  the  people  of  Kentucky  slaves.  By  such 
means  as  these  he  aimed  to  arouse  the  freemen  of  that  State  to  arms 
and  to  rebellion.  The  proclamation  was  dated  at  Russelville,  while  he 
was  entrenching  a  position  at  Bowling  Green,  about  thirty  miles  from 
the  Tennessee  line,  on  the  Louisville  and  Nashville  railroad. 

Very  soon  the  Government  formed  a  new  department,  consisting  of 
Ohio,  Indiana,  and  that  part  of  Kentucky  within  a  commanding  distance 
of  Cincinnati,  placing  it  under  the  charge  of  General  Mitchell,  in  order 
to  relieve  General  Kosecranz  in  Western  Virginia  and  General  An- 
derson of  a  part  of  their  responsibility,  and  enable  them  to  give  greater 
attention  to  their  own  specific  departments.  The  department  under 
General  Anderson  seemed  to  require  similar  military  discipline  to  that 
of  Annapolis  and  Maryland,  and,  as  a  commencement,  Martin  W.  Barr, 
the  telegraphic  news  reporter  of  the  Southern  Associated  Press,  the 


NAVAL    OPERATIONS.  175 

medium  for  the  transmission  of  correspondence  from  traitors  at  the 
North  to  rebels  in  the  South,  was  arrested,  together  with  ex-Governor 
Morehead  and  Reuben  T.  Murrelt,  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Courier, 
a  rebel  sheet. 

The  State  had  now  become  g.  portion  of  the  ground  which  was  to  be 
so  fiercely  contested.  Rebel  journals  and  leaders  made  no  concealment 
of  their  purpose  to  wrest  Kentucky  from  the  Union  at  every  hazard. 
The  Ohio  river  was  to  be  the  boundary  of  the  Southern  empire,  and 
notwithstanding  the  emphatic  voice  of  her  people,  all  the  energy  of  the 
combined  forces  of  the  rebel  armies  were  to  be  brought  to  bear  upon 
the  work.  The  fact  could  hfi  no  longer  disguised  from  the  people,  and 
the  loyal  men,  finding  that  their  patience  and  confidence  in  the  disloyal 
portion,  with  their  previous  consent  to  a  negative  position  of  neutralty, 
were  in  vain;  boldly  declared  that  tfce  time  had  come  to  arouse  and  re- 
sist the  impending  ryin.  The  attempt  of  the  conspirators  of  the  Cotton 
States  to  make  Kentucky  the  battle-field,  along  with  Virginia,  was  to 
be  defeated  at  every  cost,  and  the  people,  rising  to  a  comprehension  of 
their  responsibility,  hastened  to  the  work  of  organization  and  defence. 

Among  the  loyal  men  of  the  State  to  whom  the  highest  honor  is  due 
for  their  bold  and  stirring  advocacy  of  the  Union,  and  for  the  most 
summary  measures  which  patriotism  and  honor  could  dictate,  were  Hon. 
Joseph  Holt,  and  Hon.  Lovell  S.  Rousseau,  of  the  State  Senate,  and 
the  gifted  divine,  R.  J.  Breckinridge,  D.D. 


NAVAL    OPEEATIONS. 

At  the  commencement  of  hostilities  the  Government  was  unprepared 
to  meet  the  naval  requirements  incident  to  the  contest  which  had  so 
suddenly  been  forced  upon  it.  The  necessity  of  a  stringent  blockade 
of  the  entire  southern  coast  had  become  apparent ;  while  the  protection 
and  supply  of  the  naval  stations  in  the  rebel  States  still  in  possession  of 
our  forces,  and  the  recapture  of  those  which  had  been  seized,  required  a 
a  navy  vastly  greater  than  that  at  the  command  of  the  Government ;  and 
no  time  was  lost  in  preparing  as  far  as  practicable  to  meet  this  emergency. 

Long  before  the  attack  on  Fort  Sumter,  the  enemy  had  given  evi- 
dence of  a  determination  forcibly  to  destroy  their  relations  with  the 
Goveniment  by  seizing  the  revenue  cutters  belonging  to  the  United 
States  stationed  in  the  harbors  of  Charleston,  Pensacola  and  New  Or- 
leans, contemporaneously  with  their  appropriation  of  the  forts,  arsenals, 
marine  depots  and  other  property  belonging  to  the  Government  wit&in 
the  limits  of  the  disloyal  States. 

Iram(;diatelyupon  the  opening  of  host  ilities,  and  to  give  the  pretence 


176  THE   WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 

of  law  and  authority  to  the  proceedings  now  determined  on,  Jefferson 
Davis,  on  tiie  17th  of  April,  18G1,  by  proclamation,  invited  men  of  every 
class,  without  regard  to  nationality,  to  become  privateers  under  letters 
of  marque,  to  be  issued  by  the  Confederate  Government. 

A  "  reward  "  of  twenty  dollars  wa^  offered  by  the  Confederate  Con- 
gress for  every  life  taken  by  these  privateers  in  conflict  with  a  Federal 
vessel,  and  twenty-five  dollars  for  each  prisoner.  In  view  of  the  extensive 
commerce  of  the  United  States,the  large  number  of  vessels  sailing  to  all 
parts  of  the  world,  and  the  supposed  inefficiency  of  our  navy,  confident 
expectations  were  entertained  by  the  rebels  of  a  rich  harvest  of  v^alth 
from  this  source,  as  well  as  of  tlie  destruction  of  our  commerce.  The 
hope  was  also  indulged  that  many  vessels  would  be  secretly  fitted  out  in 
northern  ports  to  engage  in  this  entei^prise.  This  hope  soon  proved  to 
be  futile ;  while  the  want  of  proper  vessels  for  the  service  in  their  own 
ports,  and  the  scarcity  of  able  seamen,  and,  more  potent  than  either,  the 
rigorous  blockade  that  was  soon  established,  presented  insurmountable 
obstacles  to  their  plans.  The  English  Government,  by  the  Queen's 
proclamation  of  June  1,  decided  that  privateers  should  not  take  prizes 
to,  any  of  her  ports ;  and  France  and  Spain  also  declared  that  such 
vessels  should  remain  but  twenty-four  hours  within  their  harbors,  and 
prohibited  either  confiscation  or  sale  during  such  stay. 
•  The  first  offensive  act  of  the  war  on  the  part  of  our  navy  was  the 
attack  on  Sewall's  Point  battery,  in  Virginia,  on  May  18,  18G1.  This 
battery,  then  not  completed,  was  situated  at  the  mouth  of  Elizabeth 
river,  commanding  also  the  entrance  to  James  river.  On  the  1 8th.  the 
United  States  steamer  Star,  two  guns,  and  transport  Freeborn,  of  four 
guns,  opened  their  fire  and  dislodged  the  enemy  from  tlieir  entrench- 
ments. During  the  night,  however,  the  works  were  repaired  and  occu- 
pied by  a  larger  force.  On  the  following  day  the  steamer  Star  again 
opened  fire  on  them,  and  after  exhausting  her  ammunition  retired. 

On  the  31st  of  May,  the  United  States  steamers  Thomas  Freeborn, 
Anacosta  and  Resolute  attacked  the  rebel  batteries  at  the  railroad  ter- 
minus at  Acquia  Creek.  As  the  tide  was  out,  the  vessels  could  not 
approach  near  enough  to  accomplish  their  reduction.  On  the  following 
day  the  fire  was  renewed  by  the  vessels,  under  command  of  Captain 
Ward,  and  returned  by  the  enemy  with  spirit  from  three  batteries  on 
the  shore,  and  one  on  the  heights  above.  They  were  soon  driven  from 
the  shore  batteries,  but  that  on  the  hill  was  at  an  elevation  which  could 
not  be  reached  by  shot  from  the  gunboats.  The  vessels  were  struck 
several  times,  with  but  little  damage,  and  two  men  were  wounded. 
The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  not  ascertained. 
'  On  the  6th  of  June,  while  reconnoitering  on  the  James  river,  the 
steamer  Harriet  Lane  discovered  a  heavy  battery  at  Pigs  Point,  at  th« 


THE    EXPEDITION   TO    CAPE    HATTERAS.  lit 

mouth  of  the  Nansemond  river,  opposite  Newport  News.  She  opened 
fire  on  it  to  discover  its  character,  and  finding  from  the  response  that 
it  was  too  formidable  for  her  guns,  she  withdrew,  having  five  men 
wounded  in  the  encounter. 

On  the  27th  of  June,  Commander  J.  H.  Ward  of  the  steamer  Free- 
born, accompanied  by  a  party  of  men  from  the  Pawnee,  under  Lieu- 
tenant Chaplin,  who  were  engaged  in  erecting  a  breastwork  at  Matthias 
Point,  on  the  Potomac,  were  attacked  by  a  large  force  of  the  enemy. 
The  men  on  shore  were  exposed  to  a  galling  fire,  but  made  good  their 
retreat  in  their  boats,  three  only  being  wounded,  taking  all  their  arms 
and  implements  with  them.  Commander  Ward  immediately  opened  fire 
from  his  vessel  on  the  attacking  party,  and  drove  them  to  cover.  While 
sighting  one  of  the  guns  of  the  Freeborn,  Commander  Ward  was  struck 
by  a  rifle  ball,  mortally  wounded,  and  died  within  an  hour. 

Captain  James  II.  Ward  was  born  in  the  year  1806,  in  the  city  of 
Hartford,  Connecticut.  His  early  days  were  spent  in  the  usual  studios 
of  youth,  and  on  the  4th  of  March,  1823,  he  entered  the  United 
States  service,  sailing  as  midshipman,  under  Commodore  McDonough, 
in  the  frigate  Constitution.  After  serving  faithfully  for  four  years 
with  McDonough,  he  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  lieutenant,  and 
was  for  some  time  attached  to  the  Mediterranean  service.  Many  years 
of  his  life  were  spent  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  and  he  was  also  in  the 
gulf,  as  commander  of  the  United  States  steamer  Vixen.  Nearly  all 
his  naval  life  was  spent  on  the  ocean.  For  some  time  he  had  a  very 
responsible  professorship  in  the  naval  school  at  Annapolis,  and  later 
was  in  command  of  the  receiving  ship  North  Carolina.  His  talents 
were  not  entirely  devoted  to  naval  afiairs,  for  he  is  well  known  as  an 
author  by  his  works,  entitled  "  Steam  for  the  Million,"  "  Ordnance  and 
Guijnery,"  and  "  Naval  Tactics.**  The  news  of  his  death  brought  sor- 
row to  many,  and  his  memory  is  safely  embalmed  in  the  heart  of  an 
appreciating  nation. 


THE  EXPEDITION  TO  OAPE  HATTEEAS 
August  26-80,  1861. 

The  first  naval  achievement  of  the  war  which  was  attended  with  any 
important  result  was  the  successful  attack  of  the  fleet  under  Commodore 
Stringham,  accompanied  by  General  B.  F.  Butler,  and  his  land  forces, 
upon  Forts  Hatteras  and  Clark,  at  Hatteras  Inlet,  North  Carolina. 

The  whole  length  of  the  Atlantic  coast  from  Chesapeake  Bay  to 
Charleston  has  a  peculiar  character,  A  long  line  of  low,  sandy  beaches, 
of  variable  width  and  elevation,  rise  above  the  surface  of  the  ocean, 
12 


AIUkKTiO  COASI  mOlf  FORTOESS  UONBOK  TO  FORT  MACOM. 


THE  EXPEDITION   TO    CAPE    HATTERAS.  179 

broken  at  occasional  intervals  by  a  passage,  ordinarily  of  shallow  depth 
of  water,  communicating  from  the  open  sea  with  the  lagoons  inside. 
These  bodies  of  water,  by  the  indentations  of  the  main  land  and  the 
mouths  of  the  rivers,  expand  into  large  bays,  of  which  Pamlico  and 
Albemarle  Sounds  are  the  principal.  These  two  form  capacious  high- 
ways of  safe  and. easy  communication  along  the  coast,  and  through  the 
Dismal  Swamp  Canal  connect  with  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  on  the  north, 
at  Norfolk,  Va. 

At  the  south-western  extremity  of  the  long,  narrow  island  or  beach, 
the  outer  angle  of  which  has  received  the  name  of  Cape  Hatteras,  and 
which  gives  its  name  to  the  inlet,  the  rebels  had  erected  two  strong 
fortifications  known  as  Forts  Hatteras  and  Clark.  Captain  Samuel  Bar- 
ron, late  of  the  United  States  navy,  was  here  in  command  of  the  naval 
forces,  while  Colonel  William  F.  Martin,  of  the  Seventh  North  Carolina 
Volunteers,  and  Major  W,  S.  G.  Andrews,  commanded  the  garrisons. 

Hatteras  Inlet  was  one  of  the  principal  passages  through  which  the 
vessels  of  the  Confederacy  made  their  way,  in  defiance  of  the  blockade, 
and  which  it  was  desirable  to  command  with  the  Federal  forces  and  fleet. 
An  expedition  was  accordingly  planned,  and  the  preparations  were  far 
advanced  when  General  Wool  reached  Fortress  Monroe.  All  things 
having  been  made  ready,  on  the  26  th  of  August,  the  fleet,  under  Com- 
modore S.  H.  Stringham,  left  Hampton  Roads  for  its  destination.  It 
consisted  of  the  flag-ship  Minnesota,  Captain  G.  A.  Van  Brune,  having 
in  company  the  United  States  steamers  Wabash,  Captain  Samuel  Mercer; 
Monticello,  Commander  John  P.  Gill  is ;  Pawnee,  Commander  S.  C. 
Rowan ;  Harriet  Lane,  Captain  John  Faunce ;  United  States  chartered 
steamers  Adelaide,  Commander  Henry  S.  Stellwagen ;  George  Peabody, 
Lieutenant  R.  B.  Lowry ;  and  tug  F^inny,  Lieutenant  Pierce  Crosby, 
all  of  the  United  States  navy.  The  transports  Adelaide  and  George 
Peabody,  towing  schooners  with  surf-boats  on  them,  and  the  Monticello 
and  Pawnee  surf-boats  only. 

General  Butler  embarked  his  land  forces  on  the  two  transports  Ade- 
laide and  George  Peabody,  having  with  him  five  hundred  of  the  Twen- 
tieth New  York  regiment,  Colonel  Weber ;  two  hundred  and  twenty 
of  the  New  York  Ninth  regiment.  Colonel  Hawkins ;  one  hundred  of 
the  Union  Coast  Guard,  Captain  Nixon ;  and  sixty  of  the  United  Statea 
Second  Artillery,  Lieutenant  Lamed. 

The  expedition  left  Fortress  Monroe  on  Monday,  the  26th,  at  one 
o'clock,  p.  M.,  and  the  last  vessel  had  arrived  at  Hatteras  Inlet  by  four 
o'clock  on  Tuesday  afternoon.  Preparations  for  landing  troops  were 
made  the  same  evening,  and  at  daylight  the  next  morning  dispositions 
were  made  for  an  attack  upon  the  forts  by  the  fleet,  and  the  landing 
of  the  troops. 


180  THE    WAR   FOE  THE   UinOlT. 


OAPTTJEE  OF  FOETS  HATTERAS  AITD  CLAEK 

At  four  o'clock  on  Wednesday  morning,  all  hands  were  called,  and  by 
five,  the  whole  fleet  was  in  a  state  of  the  greatest  activity  with  prepa- 
rations for  the  conflict.  The  Monticello,  the  Pawnee,  and  the  Harriet 
Lane  were  sent  to  cover  and  assist  generally  in  landing  the  troops,  and 
they  took  up  a  position  about  two  miles  and  a  half  north  of  the  forts. 
The  Cumberland  was  taken  in  tow  by  the  "Wabash.  The  iron  and  flat 
boats  were  meanwhile  filling  with  troops  from  the  steamers,  and  one 
hundred  marines  who  had  been  taken  from  the  war  vessels  to  increase 
tlie  land  forces.  The  Wabash  went  up  to  the  battery  first,  drawing  the 
Cumberland  after  her.  The  Minnesota  followed,  and  as  they  drew  near 
the  point,  the  two  batteriss  and  the  barracks  of  the  rebels  were  plainly 
visible.  In  the  sound,  beyond  the  narrow  neck  of  land,  several  vessels 
— three  steamers,  some  schooners  under  sail,  and  a  brig  laying  at  anchor 
under  the  guns  of  the  forts — were  clearly  seen. 

Colonel  Max  Weber,  of  the  Twentieth  New  York,  was  appointed  to 
command  the  land  expedition,  and  about  ten  o'clock  the  boats  left  the 
transports  with  the  first  detachments  of  the  storming  forces.  They  con- 
sisted of  forty-five  men  of  the  New  York  Twentieth,  Captain  Lamer 
and  Lieutenant  Loder ;  forty-five  marines  from  the  Minnesota ;  sixty- 
eight  men,  New  York  Ninth  regiment.  Captain  Jardine ;  one  hundred 
and  two  men  of  Twentieth  New  York ;  twenty-eight  men  Union  Coast 
Guard,  Captain  Nixon ;  and  twenty  marines,  making  a  total  of  three 
hundred  and  eighteen  men. 

A  heavy  surf  was  breaking  on  the  beach  at  the  time,  and  the  landing 
was  dangerous.  The  landing  w^as  handsomely  covered  by  the  Monti- 
cello  and  Harriet  Lane.  Compelled  to  wade  through  the  water  to  the 
shore  from  the  boats,  the  men  were  wet  by  the  surf,  and  were  obliged 
to  march  with  their  ammunition  in  no  better  condition  than  themselves. 

The  challenge  from  the  Wabash,  at  a  few  minutes  before  ten  o'clock, 
was  soon  responded  to  from  Fort  Clark,  the  smaller  of  the  two,  and  for 
several  hours  the  firing  was  maintained  on  both  sides  with  great  spirit. 
The  shot  from  the  forts  fell  short  of  the  vessels,  two  or  three  only 
striking  the  Monticello,  but  without  doing  any  damage.  After  getting 
the  range  of  the  forts  from  the  various  vessels  of  the  fleet,  the  shells 
that  were  hurled  into  the  enemy's  strongholds  were  directed  with  great 
precision,  and  almost  uniformly  reached  the  points  at  which  they  were 
aimed. 

Three  hours  of  cannonading  from  fifty-seven  heavy  guns  produced  a 
marked  efiect  on  the  smaller  fort,  and  by  half-past  one  o'clock  it  became 
evident  that  the  enemy  were  becoming  discouraged,  their  firing  having 


CAPTUEB   OP  FORTS   HATTKRAS   AKD   CLARK.  181 

been  almost  abandoned.  At  this  time,  the  flags  of  both  forts  were 
hauled  down,  the  troops  already  landed  were  seen  hurrying  with  their 
colors  towards  Fort  Clark,  and  boats  laden  with  men  were  trying  to 
^escape  in  the  sound.  General  Butler  telegraphed  from  the  Harriet 
Lane  a  request  for  the  fleet  to  cease  firing,  and  the  proper  signal  was 
made,  but  apparently  not  fully  understood.  About  thirty  of  the  Federal 
troops  were  by  this  time  in  and  around  Fort  Clark,  and  had  already 
raised  the  Union  flag.  They  were  fired  upon  by  the  Pawnee  and  Mon- 
ticello,  under  the  impression  that  it  was  a  ruse,  and  several  shells  burst 
in  their  immediate  vicinity.  The  two  vessels  were  signaled  to  return, 
when  the  latter  reported  that  the  inner  battery  was  still  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy ;  but  on  again  reconnoitering,  reported  that  it  was  an  error. 

But  the  victory  was  not  yet  won.  The  Monticello  entered  the  inlet, 
and  when  within  six  hundred  yai'ds  of  the  lower  battery,  was  fired  upon, 
and  the  real  state  of  affairs  became  apparent.  The  gunboat  responded, 
and  for  fifteen  minutes  a  fire  was  kept  up,  which  seemed  likely  to  sink 
the  vessel.  All  hands  were  called  to  quarters,  and  the  Federal  vessels 
prepared  to  resume  the  attack,  the  troops  having  in  the  mean  time  with- 
drawn from  Fort  Clark  to  a  safer  location. 

Darkness  was  gathering  thickly  around,  and  the  weather  becam« 
threatening.  The  order  to  "  cease  firing  "  was  reluctantly  given,  and 
the  fleet  withdrew,  the  Monticello,  Pawnee  and  Lane  remaining  as  near 
the  shore  as  possible,  in  order  to  protect  the  landed  troops,  while  the 
larger  vessels  anchored  in  the  offing. 

Early  the  next  morning,  all  hands  were  again  called.  The  smaller 
vessels  had  been  driven  ashore  during  the  night  by  the  gale,  and  the 
little  band  of  troops  were  left  to  protect  themselves,  as  best  they  might. 
The  smaller  steamers  were  sent  in  shore  to  be  in  readiness  to  cover 
the  land  forces,  and  to  aid  in  any  attempt  that  might  be  made  to  land 
the  remainder.  At  about  eight  o'clock,  the  Wabash  and  Susquehanna 
proceeded  to  take  up  a  position — this  time  at  anchor.  Twenty  minutes 
later,  the  Susquehanna  opened  fire,  followed  immediately  by  the  Wabash, 
and  soon  the  Minnesota  found  an  anchorage  groiind,  and  the  action  conv- 
menced  in  earnest.  An  hour  later,  the  Cumberland  took  position  near, 
and  did  good  execution,  as  did  also  the  Harriet  Lane,  with  her  rifled  guns. 

Thus  for  an  hour  a  rapid  fire  had  been  kept  up,  but  without  eliciting 
any  reply  from  the  fort,  or  without  any  flag  having  been  shown.  Thirty 
minutes  later,  their  batteries  replied,  having  been  mostly  aimed  at  the 
Cumberland,  and  the  fight  continued  for  half  an  hour,  without  inter- 
mission, when  a  white  flag  was  shown  from  the  large  fort.  Again  the 
order  to  cease  firing  was  given,  the  sailors  flew  to  the  rigging,  and  from 
ship  to  ship  rang  the  cheers  of  victory.  General  Butler  sent  Lieutenant 
Crosby  ashore  to  inquire  the  meaning  of  the  white  flag.     He  soon  re- 


182  THE    AVAR    FOR   THE    UNIOX. 

turned,  bringing  Mr.  Weigel,  with  a  communication  from  Commodore 
Barron,  offering  to  sun-ender,  with  all  the  arms  and  ammunition,  the 
officers  to  go  out  with  side  arms,  and  the  men  to  retire  without  arms. 
General  Butler  demanded  a  full  capitulation  as  prisoners  of  war,  which ^ 
was  subsequently  complied  with. 

In  three  quarters  of  an  hour  Lieutenant  Crosby  returned  with  Com- 
modore Barron,  Major  Andrews  and  Colonel  Martin.  With  these  offi- 
cers General  Butler  went  aboard  the  flag  ship  Minnesota,  to  make  the 
agreement  with  Commodore  Stringham,  on  the  part  of  the  navy.  The 
articles  were  signed,  and  the  forts  surrendered  and  occupied  by  the 
Union  forces.  While  the  terms  were  under  consideration,  the  Adelaide 
and  Harriet  Lane  both  got  aground,  and  occasioned  some  fear  lest  the 
enemy,  taking  advantage  of  this  circumstance,  might  renew  the  contest. 
But  happily  their  fears  were  not  realized.  In  reaching  the  Minnesota, 
Commodore  Barron  was  obliged  to  pass  under  the  guns  of  the  Wabash, 
the  vessel  which  he  had  himself  commanded  a  few  months  before,  and 
which  he  had  just  been  endeavoring  to  destroy  from  his  batteries. 

The  result  of  this  expedition  was  the  capture  of  seven  hundred  and 
fifteen  men,  including  the  officers,  one  thousand  stand  of  arms,  seventy- 
five  kegs  of  powder,  five  stand  of  colors,  tliirty-one  pieces  of  cannon,  | 
including  a  ten-inch  columbiad,  a  brig  loaded  with  cotton,  a  sloop  loaded 
with  provisions  and  stores,  two  hght-boats,  one  hundred  and  fifty  bags 
of  coffee  and  smaller  stores. 

The  prisoners  were  transferred  to  the  Minnesota,  and  taken  to  New 
York.  Their  acknowledged  loss  Avas  forty-nine  killed  and  fifty-one 
wounded.  On  the  Fedei-al  side,  not  a  single  life  Avas  lost,  and  only 
two  or  three  Avounded. 


WESTEEN    VIEGIUIA. 


A  series  of  active  events  in  Western  Virginia  now  claim  our  attentioft. 

Governor  Wise,  on  hearing  of  the  death  of  General  Garnett,  and  the 
defeat  and  dispersion  of  his  army,  commenced  a  retreat  up  the  Kanawha, 
cautiously  followed  by  General  Cox.  He  intended  to  make  a  stand 
at  Gauley's  Bridge,  at  the  junction  of  Gauley  and  Kanawha  rivers,  and 
had  erected  defences  for  that  purpose ;  but  in  consequence  of  the  de- 
moralization and  desertion  of  his  men,  and  learning  that  General  Rose- 
oranz  had  dispatched  a  large  force  to  intercept  him,  he  fled  Avithout 
fighting,  on  the  28th  of  July,  destroying  the  bridge  to  cut  off"  his  pur- 
suers. He  left  behind  him  a  thousand  muskets,  and  a  quantity  of 
powder,  Avhich  were  seized  by  General  Cox.  Early  in  the  month  of 
August,  General  Floyd  Avas  reinforced  by  fresh  troops  from  the  eastern 


•        BATTLE    OF    CAUNIFEX    FERRY.  188 

eection  of  the  State,  while  Jackson  Avas  also  advancing  with  a  new 
army  to  attack  the  position  of  Rosiecranz  at  the  Cheat  Mountain  Pass, 
and  General  Loring,  another  rebel  commander,  was  marching  towards 
-Huttonsville  to  act  in  conjunction  with  Jackson's  forces. 


SUEPEISE    AT    CROSS    LANES. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2Gth  of  August,  the  Seventh  Ohio  regiment, 
Colonel  Tyler,  attached  Ho  General  Cox's  brigade,  had  just  encamped 
at  a  position  in  the  mountains  called  Cross  Lanes,  near  Summersville, 
about  twenty-four  miles  from  Gauley  Bridge,  and  eighteen  from  Twenty- 
mile  Creek,  where  the  main  body  of  General  Cox's  forces  were. 

"While  at  breakfast  they  were  surrounded  and  attacked  in  front  and 
on  both  flanks  simultaneously,  by  a  rebel  force  of  three  thousand  in- 
fantry, four  hundred  cavalry,  and  ten  guns.  Colonel  Tyler's  men  were 
immediately  formed  for  battle,  and  fought  bravely,  though  in  an  almost 
hopeless  position.  The  enemy  proving  too  powerful,  the  Colonel  dis- 
patched an  orderly  to  the  baggage  train,  which  was  coming  up,  but 
three  miles  distant,  and  turned  it  back  towards  General  Cox's  camp, 
where  it  arrived  in  safety.  The  regiment  met  the  advancing  foe  with 
desperate  valor,  and  finally  succeeded  in  cutting  their  way  through  tho 
superior  force  by  whom  they  were  encompassed,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Creighton  capturing  the  enemy's  colors  and  two  prisoners  in  their  prog- 
ress. The  ranks  were  much  broken,  and  companies  B,  C  and  I  suffered 
severely.  The  line  was  soon  formed  again,  and  prepared  for  a  renewal 
of  the  attack,  but  they  were  permitted  to  make  good  their  retreat  with- 
out further  molestation.  Captains  Dyer,  Shurtleff  and  Sterling,  Ad- 
jutant De  Forrest,  Lieutenant  Narrent,  and  Sergeant-Major  King  were 
killed.  The  total  loss  is  reported  at  fifteen  killed,  forty  wounded,  and 
thirty  prisoners.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  is  not  known,  but  could  not 
have  been  less. 


BATTLE   OF   CAENIIEX    PEEEY. 

Seftembee  10,  1861. 

More  than  a  month  had  now  elapsed  since  General  Rosecranz  had 
been  entrusted  with  the  Federal  command  in  Western  Virginia,  and 
the  commanders  of  the  hostile  forces  had  been  intently  watching  the 
movements  of  the  opposing  armies,  anxious  for  an  opportunity  to  strike 
a  decisive  blow. 

From  his  headquarters  at  Clarksburg,  General  Rosecranz  moved  for- 


-.84  THE   WAR   FOR   THE    UNIOX.  « 

ward  to  resime  active  operations,  and  at  two  principal  points  the  enemy 
prepared  to  give  him  battle.  The  popular  impression  was  that  he  in- 
tended to  attack  General  Lee,  at  Cheat  Mountain  Gap,  his  nearest  and 
most  accessible  opponent,  then  held  in  cheek  by  General  Reynolds. 
Floyd  had  been  permitted  to  cross  the  mountains  at  Summers ville,  and 
was  known  to  be  then  in  the  Kanawha  region,  some  eighty  or  a  hun- 
dred miles,  distant,  where  it  was  the  intention  of  the  Federal  commander 
to  seek  him.  It  was  not  until  Monday,  the  9th  of  September,  that  the 
General  reached  Birch  river,  where  he  concentrated  his  force,  drawn 
from  various  encampments,  and  which  had  marched  in  detached  bodies 
to  the  rendezvous  appointed.  After  leaving  the  valley  of  the  Big  Birch 
the  route  lay  through  a  mountainous  and  densely  wooded  country,  in- 
fested with  guerrillas,  who  gave  them  much  annoyance  ;  and  as  no  reli- 
able guide  accompanied  the  army,  Rosecranz  was.  obliged  to  rely  chiefly 
upon  the  inhabitants  for  information  of  the  geographical  and  topograph- 
ical features  of  the  country.  The  position  of  Floyd's  forces  was  also 
unknown  to  him,  and  it  was  not  until  he  had  reached  Cross  Lanes, 
eight  miles  from  Summersville,  that  he  received  reliable  information 
that  the  enemy  was  strongly  posted  somewhere  in  the  range  of  hills 
that  line  either  side  of  the  Gauley  river,  immediately  facing  that  village. 
Floyd  was  known  to  be  advised  of  the  approach  of  the  Federal  army, 
as  his  scouts  and  skirmishers  had  been  encountered  frequently  on  the 
previous  day,  and  it  was  the  plan  of  Rosecranz  to  carefully  reconnoitre 
the  position  of  the  enemy  before  advancing  any  considerable  force 
within  range  of  his  guns;  but  the  eager  and  importunate  requests 
of  various  officers,  as  well  as  the  impetuosity  of  the  men,  urged  him 
forward. 

Colonel  McCook  was  first  sent  with  a  squadron  of  Chicago  cavalry 
to  Camifex  ferry,  by  a  road  which  led  through  ravines  to  the  Gauley 
river.  In  an  attempt  to  destroy  a  boat  found  here  he  was  fired  upon 
by  the  enemy,  who  were  out  of  range  of  the  carbines  of  the  cavalry. 
To  overcome  this  opposition,  he  dispatched  a  man  asking  that  ten  in- 
fantry should  be  sent  to  his  aid.  By  some  mistake  the  whole  of  Colonel 
Lytle's  Tenth  Ohio,  an  Irish  regiment,  came  hurrying  down,  eager  for 
a  fight,  and  opened  fire  on  the  woods  on  the  opposite  side  that  speed- 
ily banished  the  enemy.  Colonel  Lytle's  regiment  continued  in  the 
advance,  acting  as  skirmishers,  and  shortly  drove  in  a  detachment  of  the 
rebels  from  an  exposed  camp  on  the  left  of  the  road.  This  road  w»s 
very  narrow,  and  shut  in  to  the  very  wagon  tracks  with  the  jungle  of 
onderbrush. 

General  Rosecranz,  who  was  still  ignorant  of  the  precise  position  of 
the  enemy,  or  of  the  nature  of  his  entrenchments,  now  sent  orders  to 
General  Benbam  that  Lytic  should  proceed  down  this  road  to  make  a 


BATTLE    OF   CARNIFEX   FKRKT.  185 

reconnoissance,  to  be  supported,  if  necessary,  by  the  remainder  of  Ben 
ham's  brigade.  Lytle  was  still  a  mile  in  advance  of  the  rest  of  tho 
brigade,  pushing  cautiously  forward,  with  companies  A,  B,  C  and  E,  as 
skirmishers.  They  suddenly  found  themselves  in  front  of  some  kind  of 
fortification,.and  the  enemy  discovered  them  at  the  same  time.  At  first 
there  was  sharp  and  scattered  firing,  when  suddenly  a  terrific  crash  of 
musketry  was  followed  by  a  storm  of  bullets.  The  enemy  had  opened 
along  his  whole  front.  The  remainder  of  the  Tenth  was  hurried  for- 
ward to  support  the  advance,  and  General  Benham  sent  orders  for  the 
Thirteenth,  Colonel  Smith,  and  the  Twelfth,  Colonel  Lowe,  to  come  for- 
ward. The  Federal  troops  stood  their  ground  with  the  greatest  heroism, 
in  the  face  of  a  heavy  battery.  The  firing  on  either  side  was  not  eflTec- 
tive ;  and  though  the  Tenth  suffered  severely,  the  loss  was  not  great. 

The  Thirteenth,  Colonel  Smith,  came  in  on  the  left,  a  little  in  the  rear 
of  the  Tenth,  and  deploying  towards  Floyd's  right,  opened  in  fine  style. 
In  the  thickest  of  the  firing.  Colonel  Lytle  dashed  forward  in  front  of 
the  enemy's  works,  leading  several  companies,  and  as  they  left  the  cover 
of  the  woods,  he  received  a  severe  wound.  The  ball  which  disabled  him 
also  wounded  his  horse,  who  dashed  his  rider  to  the  ground,  and  in  his 
death  agony  plunged  over  the  parapet  into  the  enemy's  works.  Colonel 
Lytle  Avas  carried  to  a  house  near  by,  and  lay  in  great  pain,  within  hear- 
ing of  the  contest  he  was  unable  to  share.  The  Tenth,  discouraged  and 
embarrassed  by  the  loss  of  their  leader,  became  somewhat  scattered  in 
the  woods,  but  held  their  position  and  kept  up  a  steady  fire. 

Meantime,  Colonel  Lowe  came  up  with  the  Twelfth,  and  was  led  by 
Adjutant-General  Hartsuff  into  the  woods  near  the  spot  where  the 
Tenth  first  received  the  enemy's  fire.  He  was  leading  up  his  regiment, 
waving  his  sword  to  cheer  on  his  men,  when  he  was  struck  in  the 
forehead  by  a  musket  ball,  and  fell  heavily  from  his  horse.  He  died 
bravely,  a  soldier's  death,  in  front  of  the  foe,  and  in  the  presence  of  his 
men. 

The  reconnoissance  that  was  designed,  had  now  grown  into  a  severe 
and  general  engagement.  But  the  unknown  position  of  the  enemy,  and 
the  necessity  of  calling  up  other  regiments  to  support  the  advance,  had 
led  to  a  premature  struggle.  McMullen's  howitzer  battery,  and  Captain 
Snyder's  battery  were  brought  forward  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  ren- 
dered efficient  service.  General  Rosecranz  dispatched  Adjutant-General 
Hartsuff  to  order  up  Colonel  McCook's  brigade,  who  rushed  forward 
in  a  state  of  wild  enthusiasm  when  they  were  informed  that  they  would 
have  the  honor  of  storming  the  batteries.  Meantime  the  General,  who 
bad  been  making  a  careful  survey  of  the  whole  field,  found  that  the 
work  would  be  too  hazardous,  and  cost  too  many  valuable  lives,  if  it 
were  then  attempted,  and  countermanded  the  order.    It  was  now  too 


186  TUB  WAR  FOR  THE  UNION. 

dark  to  distinguish  the  foe,  and  it  became  absolutely  uecessaiy  to  with- 
draw the  troops. 

The  men  had  marched  seventeen  miles  and  a  half,  and  many  of  them 
were  exhausted  with  scouting  and  skirmishing  all  day  over  the  hills. 
They  retired  slowly,  galled  with  disappointment,  and  bivouacked,  wear- 
ied and  supperless,  within  musket-range  of  the  rebel  front.  Sentinels 
were  posted  to  prevent  any  attempt  of  the  enemy  to  surprise  them, 
and  guard  against  the  retreat  of  Floyd  if  possible.  But  total  ignorance 
of  the  country,  and  the  intense  darkness  of  the  night,  made  it  impossible 
to  secure  all  the  avenues  of  retreat.  General  Rosecranz  himself  was  up 
all  night  long,  taking  care  of  his  position  with  jealous  and  anxious 
solicitude ;  but  notwithstanding,  the  foe  slipped  from  his  grasp. 

The  troops  expected  to  storm  the  position  and  take  it  by  sunrise,  but 
before  that  time  it  was  discovered  vacant.  Floyd  began  the  evacuation 
as  soon  as  he  ascertained  that  Rosecranz  did  not  intend  to  storm  him, 
and  by  three  o'clock  the  next  morning  the  enemy  put  the  deep  and  tur- 
bulent Gauley,  and  some  miles  of  rugged  road,  between  himself  and  the 
J'sgusted  Federal  army — sinking  the  flats  and  destroying  the  trestle 
bridge  by  which  he  had  secured  his  retreat. 

The  Union  troops  immediately  took  possession  of  Floyd's  camp,  in 
which  he  had  left  his  own  personal  baggage,  that  of  his  officers,  and 
their  parade  stores,  the  baggage  and  blankets  of  private  soldiers,  large 
numbers  of  muskets,  squirrel  guns,  powder,  lead,  cartridges,  forage, 
large  quantities  of  commissary  stores,  and  some  horses  and  wagons. 

lie  took  nothing  with  him,  in  fact,  excepting  his  guns,  part  of  his  tents, 
and  a  small  supply  of  rations.  It  was  also  ascertained  that  he  threw  at 
least  a  portion  of  his  cannon  into  the  Gauley. 

The  loss  of  Rosccranz's  army  in  the  engagement  was  IG  killed,  and 
102  wounded.  That  of  the  enemy  was  probably  small,  as  they  were 
well  protected  from  the  Federal  fire.  Twelve  rebel  prisoners  were  taken-, 
and  25  of  Colonel  Tyler's  Seventh  Ohio,  mostly  wounded,  who  had 
been  captured  at  Cross  Lanes  on  the  26th  of  August,  were  released. 


BATTLE  OP  CHEAT  MOUNTAIN  PASS. 

On  the  12th  of  September,  General  Reynolds,  commanding  the 
Federal  brigade  on  Cheat  Mountain,  wafi  attacked  by  General  Lee  of  the 
Secession  army,  with  a  force  computed  at  9,000  men.  The  Cheat 
Mountain  Pass  lies  between  the  valley  of  the  South  branch  of  the 
Potomac  river  and  those  of  Elk  and  Gauley  rivers,  tributaries  of  the 
Great  Kanawha. 

The  first  position  held  by  General  Reynolds  was  at  the  foot  of  the 


BATTLE   OP   CHEAT  MOCNTAIX  PASS.  IPSI 

mountain,  but  subsequently  two  fortifications  had  been  erected  on  the 
summit  of  two  adjacent  spurs,  seven  miles  apart  by  a  bridle  path,  which 
were  called  Cheat  Summit  and  Elk  Water.  General  Reynolds's  head- 
quarters was  at  Elk  Water,  while  Colonel  Kimball  of  the  Fourteenth 
Indiana,  held  a  subordinate  command  at  Cheat  Summit. 

The  enemy  was  well  informed  of  the  position  and  strength  of  these 
defences,  but  had  no  desire  to  attack  General  Reynolds  in  either  of  his 
strongholds.  Their  leader  had  hopes,  however,  of  escaping  the  vigilance 
of  the  Federal  commanders  by  making  a  aetuur  and  marching  on 
beyond,  and  was  engaged  in  this  enterprise  when  he  met  with  unexpec- 
ted reverses. 

The  two  Federal  posts  were  in  constant  communication  by  a  tele- 
graphic line,  and  pickets  guarded  every  avenue  of  approach. 

On  the  12th,  the  enemy,  five  thousand  strong,  with  eight  pieces  of 
artillery,  under  command  of  General  R.  E.  Lee,  advanced  on  this  position 
by  the  Huntersville  Pike.  Our  advanced  pickets — portions  of  the  Fif- 
teenth Indiana  and  Sixth  Ohio — gradually  fell  baek  to  our  main  picket 
station;  two  companies  of  the  Seventeenth  Indiana,  under  Colonel 
Hascall,  checking  the  enemy's  advance  at  the  Point  Mountain  Turnpike^ 
and  then  falling  back  on  the  regiment  which  occupied  a  very  advanced 
position  on  our  right  front,  and  which  .was  now  ordered  in.  The  enemy 
threw  into  the  woods  on  our  left  front  three  regiments,  who  made  their 
"way  to  the  right  and  rear  of  Cheat  Mountain,  took  a  position  on  the 
road  leading  to  Iluttonville,  broke  the  telegraph  wire,  and  cut  off  our 
communication  with  Colonel  Kimball's  Fourteenth  Indiana  Cavalry  on 
Cheat  Summit. 

At  the  same  time  an  equal  force  of  the  enemy  advanced  by  the  Staun- 
ton Pike  on  the  front  of  Cheat  Mountain,  and  threw  two  regiments  to 
the  right  and  rear  of  the  mountain,  thus  uniting  with  his  other  column. 
They  advanced  towards  the  pass,  in  order  to  get  to  the  rear  of  Elk  water, 
when  three  companies  of  the  Thirteenth  Indiana,  and  one  from  the 
Fourteenth,  met  them.  The  encounter  resulted  in  the  rout  and  retreat 
of  the  enemy. 

A  large  portion  of  the  rebel  troops  were  now  closing  in  on  Cheat 
Mountain,  when  detachments  of  the  Fourteenth  Indiana,  and  Twenty- 
fourth  and  Twenty-fifth  Ohio,  numbering  in  all  about  three  hundred, 
held  them  in  check.  Affairs  rested  in  this  condition  till  dark.  Deter- 
mined to  force  a  communication  between  the  detached  portions  of  his 
command.  General  Reynolds  ordered. the  Thirteenth  Indiana,  under 
Colonel  Sullivan,  to  cut  their  way,  if  necessary,  by  the  mail  road,  and 
the  greater  part  of  the  Third  Ohio  and  Second  Virginia,  under  Colonels 
]\Ianon  and  Moss,  respectively,  to  do  the  same  by  the  path ;  the  two 
commands  starting  at  three  o'clock,  a.  m.  on  the  13th,  the  former  from 


188  THE   "VVAIi   FOR   THE   UinON. 

Cheat  Mountain  Pass,  and  the  latter  from  Elk  "Water,  so  as  to  fall  upon 
the  enemy  simultaneously,  if  possible.  Early  on  the  13th,  the  small 
force  of  about  three  hundred  from  the  summit,  engaged  the  enemy  with 
Buch  effect,  that  notwithstanding  his  great  superiority  in  numbers,  he 
retired  in  great  disorder,  leaving  large  quantities  of  clothing  and  equip- 
ments on  the  ground.  The  relieving  forces  failing  to  encounter  the 
enemy,  marched  to  the  summit,  secured  the  provision  train,  and  re- 
opened the  communicatif^n.  While  these  events  were  proceeding  on 
the  mountain.  General  Lee  advanced  on  Elk  Water,  apparently  for  a 
final  attack.  A  rifled  Parrot  gun  from  Loomis'  battery  was  run  to  the 
front  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and  after  a  few  shots,  which  told 
with  fine  effect  on  their  ranks,  they  retreated  to  a  place  beyond  its 
range.  On  the  14th,  the  enemy  was  again  in  position  in  front  of  Elk 
Water,  but  were  repulsed  by  the  gallant  Fifteenth  Indiana,  who  held 
their  groimd  and  fired  with  the  most  telling  effect.  The  enemy  also 
made  an  effort  to  reach  the  .pass,  but  they  were  again  repulsed,  and 
withdrew  to  a  point  some  ten  miles  distant.  On  the  15th,  the  rebels 
appeared  again  in  much  stronger  force  than  before,  and  attempted 
a  flSYik  movement  by  the  left,  but  they  were  driven  back  and  compelled 
to  retire  from  the  field  by  the  vigilant  and  heroic  garrison  on  the  summit. 

One  hundred  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and  wounded,  and  about  twenty 
were  taken  prisoners.  The  Federal  forces  lost  nine  killed,  and  about 
sixty  prisoners.  Lieutenant  Junod,  of  the  Fourteenth  Indiana,  was 
among  the  killed,  and  Captain  James  Bense,  and  Lieutenants  Gillman 
and  Shaffer,  of  the  Ohio  Sixth,  and  Lieutenant  Merrill,  of  the  Engineers 
wounded. 

One  of  the  most  important  incidents  of  this  engagement  was  the 
death  of  Colonel  John  A.  Washington,  of  the  rebel  army,  aid-de-camp 
to  General  Lee. 


ENGAGEMENT  AT  OHAPMANSVILLE. 

A  brilliant  affair  took  place  at  Chapmansville,  Logan  county,  Virginia, 
on  the  25th  of  September,  when  a  body  of  the  enemy  under  Colonel 
Davis,  numbering  about  five  hundred,  was  defeated  and  driven  from  be- 
hind their  breastworks  by  five  hundred  and  fifty  men  of  the  Thirty- 
fourth  Ohio,  under  Colonel  Piatt. 

The  want  of  men  in  Western  Virginia  had  induced  the  Government 
to  call  this  regiment  ii\fo  the  field  before  its  ranks  were  full,  and  they 
had  been  on  duty  but  one  week  when  the  affair  at  Chapmansville  took 
place.  With  only  six  hours  notice  they  marched  from  Cincinnati,  and 
on  the  19th  of  September  arrived  at  "  Camp  Enyard,"  on  the  Kanawha^ 


ENGAGEJJEXT   AT   CHAPMANSVILLE.  189 

occupied  by  Colonel  Enyard  with  three  hundred  of  the  First  Kentucky 
and  two  hundred  of  the  Home  Guards  of  Virginia. 

Three  days  subsequently  they  learned  that  the  enemy  were  in  force 
fifty  miles  distant,  and  marched,  in  company  with  Colonel  Enyard's 
command  to  Peytona,  where  they  separated,  Colonel"  Piatt  proceeding 
to  Boone  Court-house.  A  march  of  about  sixteen  miles  the  next  day 
brought  them  in  contact  with  the  advande  cavalry  guard  of  the  enemy, 
who  were  quickly  driven  in.  The  force  was  immediately  made  ready 
for  battle,  and  proceeded  on  for  two  hours,  constantly  skirmishing  with 
the  retreating  foe.  Though  unable  to  ascertain  the  position  or  force  of 
their  opposers,  they  yet  marched  bravely,  with  Colonel  Piatt  in  advance, 
until  the  dim  outline  of  a  breastwork  became  visible  through  the  dense 
underbrush,  situated  on  the  slope  of  a  hill  between  two  mountain  ridges 
on  the  right  and  a  small  ravine  on  the  left.  The  brush  had  been  cut 
down  on  the  right  an(jl  a  force  of  the  enemy,  comprising  about  one 
hundred  men,  were  staiioned  there  to  rake  the  advancing  troops,  and 
their  fire  was  poured  in  incessantly.  The  Federals  returned  the  firo 
and  advanced  fearlessly,  in  four  columns,  with  company  A,  Captain 
Rathbone,  deployed  to  the  right,  directly  up  the  side  of  the  mountain, 
for  the  purpose  of  outflanking  the  enemy  on  the  left ;  company  C,  Cap- 
tain Miller,  dispatched  for  a  similar  purpose  to  the  left;  company  I, 
Captain  Anderson,  marching  up  the  ravine,  and  the  centre  moving 
directly  up  the  road.  When  within  about  twenty  yards  of  the  breast- 
works they  were  suddenly  fired  upon  from  all  quarters.  The  order 
from  Colonel  Piatt  to  storm  the  entrenchments  was  responded  to  wjth 
hearty  cheers,  and  the  men  dashed  on,  regardless  of  the  storm  of  bullets 
that  tore  up  the  earth  around  them. 

Captain  Anderson  was  the  first  to  mount  the  breastworks,  his  men 
following  steadily  and  with  unflinching  courage.  Captain  Miller  on  the 
left,  and  Captain  Rathbone  on  the  right,  were  impeded  by  obstructions, 
but  quickly  overcoming  or  dashing  through  them,  joined  in  the  charge. 
A  few  minutes  sufficed  to  reach  the  inside  and  break  the  ranks  of  the 
enemy,  who  fled  to  th£  mountains.  They  left  twenty-nine  dead  behind 
and  had  fifty  wounded,  among  them  Colonel  Davis,  of  North  Carolina, 
who  afterwards  died.  The  Federal  loss  was  four  killed  and  eight 
wounded. 

Colonel  Piatt  marched  into  Chapmansville,  the  former  headquarters 
of  the  enemy,  encamped  for  the  night,  and  then  returned  to  Camp  En- 
yard,  almost  without  provisions,  and  forced  to  wade  through  swoUeq 
streams  and  surmount  rugged  mountains. 


100  THB  WAR  FOR  THE  UNIOV. 

EEOONNOISSANOE  AT  GEEEH  BETEE,  WESTEEN  VTRGINIA. 

October  3,  18C1. 

General  Reynolds,  commander  of  the  Federal  forces  on  Cheat  Moun- 
tain Summit,  who  had  so  successfully  resisted  the  attempt  of  the  enemy 
to  flank  his  position  on  the  12th  of  September,  having  learned  that  Gen- 
eral Jackson  had  a  fortified  camp  on  the  Green  Brier  river,  at  a  point 
where  the  Staunton  turnpike  ascends  the  Alleghany  mountains,  about 
twelve  miles  distant,  determined  on  a  reconnoissance  in  force,  and  if 
possible  a  surprise  of  the  enemy's  encampment.  On  the  night  of  Oc- 
tober 2,  at  twelve  o'clock,  he  started  from  his  encampment,  with  the 
Twenty-fourth,  Twenty-fifth  and  Thirty-second  Ohio,  and  the  Seventh, 
Ninth,  Thirteenth,  Fourteenth,  Fifteenth  and  Seventeenth  Indiana  regi- 
ments, M'ith  Howe's,  Loomis'  and  Daum's  batteries,  thirteen  pieces,  and 
a  small  force  of  cavalry,  in  all  about  five  thousand  men. 

About  daylight  they  came  in  contact  with  the  enemy's  outposts,  at 
the  first  Green  Brier  bridge,  which  resulted  in  their  being  driven  within 
the  entrenchments  with  considerable  loss  by  the  Twenty-fourth  Ohio 
and  Seventh  Indiana. 

The  rebel  camp  was  located  on  a  steep  elevation,  kno>yn  as  Buffalo 
Hill,  their  entrenchments  rising  one  above  another  along  its  terraced 
sides.  Howe's  and  Loomis'  batteries  were  soon  put  in  position,  and 
were  effective  in  silencing  a  number  of  the  enemy's  pieces,  which  had 
opened  on  the  advancing  Federal  columns.  Tlie  infantry  were  impatient 
for  the  order  to  advance  to  the  assault,  while  for  thirty-five  minutes 
every  gun  of  the  assaulting  batteries  were  actively  engaged. 

One  after  another  of  the  rebel  pieces  were  dismounted,  until  only  one 
remained,  which  replied  with  spirit,  while  the  lower  entrenchments 
were  almost  wholly  evacuated  by  their  defenders.  Rockets  were 
thrown  up  from  the  enemy's  camp  at  this  time,  which  the  General 
supposed  was  a  signal  for  reinforcements  from  another  encampment 
known  to  exist  a  few  miles  distant.  It»was  not  long  before  the  surmise 
was  verified.  Down  the  mountains  in  the  rear  of  the  camp  came  a  col- 
\xmn  of  men,  estimated  at  two  thousand,  bringing  with  them  several 
pieces  of  artillery  of  a  superior  charj»x:*or.  They  were  received  with 
loud  cheers  by  their  hitherto  faltering  comrades.  The  fresh  pieces  were 
soon  moimted  on  the  upper  works,  and  took  part  in  the  engagement. 

In  the  mean  time  the  infantry  Colonels  were  clamorous  for  permission 
to  storm  the  upper  works,  but  the  Genial  opposed  this  as  unnecessarily 
involving  a  great  sacrifice  of  life,  which  would  not  be  justified  for  the 
possession  of  an  unimportant  position.  A  flank  movement  was  per- 
mitted, however,  to  gain  a  more  accurate  knowledge  of  the  enemy's 


( 

DEFENCE    OP   LEXINGTON",  MISSOURI.  193 

encrenchnionts  and  force,  in  whicli  most  of  tlie  regiments  participated. 
The  men  were  brought  under  a  cross-fire  of  shell  and  canister,  and  the 
General  discovered  the  works  could  not  be  carried  without  great  ex- 
posure and  loss.  As  the  artillery  had  nearly  exhausted  their  ammuni- 
tion, he  deemed  it  prudent  to  withdraw  his  force,  which  was  done 
without  any  molestation  from  the  enemy. 

The  entire  Federal  loss  was  but  eight  killed  and  thirty-two  wounded, 
while  that  of  the  enemy  was  about  double  this  number,  principally  in 
the  skirmish  outside  of  their  entrenchments.  Thirteen  of  the  rebels 
were  captured. 


DEFENCE    OP    LEXINGTON,    MISSOUEI:  *  • 

Skptembeh  12-20,  1861. 

One  of  the  most  exciting  events  of  the  war  in  the  "West  was  the 
defence  of  Lexington,  Missouri,  by  Federal  troops,  commanded  by 
Colonel  James  B.  Mulligan,  consisting  of  the  Chicago  Irish  Brigade, 
eight  hundred  strong,  four  hundred  Home  Guards,  and  a  part  of  tho 
Missouri  Eighth,  under  Colonel  White ;  the  Missouri  Thirteenth,  six 
hundred  and  fifty  men.  Colonel  Peabody ;  Illinois  First  Cavalry,  four 
hundred  men.  Colonel  Marshall.  In  addition  to  these.  Captain  Gi-aham, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  White,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Given,  and  Major  "Wright 
had  also  small  commands — in  all,  2,780  men. 

Lexington  is  the  capital  of  Lafayette  county,  and  contains  a  popula- 
tion of  about  five  thousand.  It  is  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Missouri 
river,  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  west  of  Jeiferson  City,  and  three 
hundred  miles  from  St.  Louis.  The  heights  on  which  the  town  is  built 
command  the  river,  and  to  a  considerable  extent  the  back  country.  Old 
Lexington,  an. earlier  settlement,  is  situated  east  of  the  new  town,  back 
of  the  river,  on  the  hills,  where  the  main  body  of  Price's  army  was 
posted,  while  the  attack  was  made  from  different  points.  Colonel  Mul- 
hgan's  fortifications  were  between  the  two  towns,  and  consisted  of 
heavy  earthworks,  ten  feet  in  height,  with  a  ditch  eight  feet  in  width. 

On  the  1st  of  September,  Colonel  Mulligan,  whose  regiment  was  then 
encamped  at  Jefferson  City,  received  orders  to  march  to  the  relief  of 
Lexington,  then  threatened  by  the  enemy,  and  in  six  hours  the  regiment 
was  on  its  way,  and  in  nine  days  after  entered  the  town,  whicli  they 
found  occupied  by  Colonel  Marshall's  cavalry,  and  a  body  of  Home 
Guards.  On  the  10th  a  letter  was  received  from  Colonel  Peabody,  saying 
that  he  was  retreating  from  Warrensburg,  twenty-five  miles  distant,  and 
that  Price  was  pursuing  him  with  ten  thousand  men.  A  few  liours 
after.  Colonel  Peabody,  with  the  Thirteenth  Missouri,  entered  Lexington. 
13 


194  THE  WAR  FOB  THE  UNIOW. 

On  the  12th,  as  the  enemy  drew  near  the  city,  two  companies  of  the 
Thirteenth  Missouri  were  ordered  out  as  skirmishers,  who  recognized 
General  Price  (by  the  aid  of  glasses),  leading  on  the  advance  guard  of  his 
men.  Company  I  of  the  Irish  Brigade  held  them  in  check  until  Captain 
Dilloli's  company  of  the  Thirteenth  Missouri  drove  them  back.  Subse- 
quently six  companies  of  the  Missouri  Thirteenth  and  two  companies 
of  the  Illinois  cavalry  were  dispatched  in  search  of  the  retrea,ting  enemy. 

They  engaged  them  in  a  cornfield,  fought  with  them  gallantly,  and 
harassed  them  to  such  an  extent  as  to  delay  their  progress,  in  order  to 
give  time  for  constructing  intrenchments  around  the  camp  on  College 
Hill.  This  had,  the  desired  effect,  and  the  Federals  succeeded  in  throw- 
ing up  earthworks  three  or  four  feet  in  height.  This  consumed  the 
rtlght,  an^  was  continued  during  the  next  day,  the  outposts  still  oppos- 
ing the  enejny,  and  keeping  them  back  as  far  as  possible.  At  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  14th  the  engagement  opened  with  artil- 
lery. A  volley  of  grapeshot  was  thrown  among  the  officers,  who  stood 
in  front  of  the  breastworks.  The  guns  within  the  entrenchments  im- 
mediately i-eplied  with  a  vigor  which  converted  the  scene  into  one  of 
the  wildest  excitement.  At  seven  o'clock  the  enemy  withdrew  and  the 
engagement  ceased  for  the  night. 

Next  morning  General  Parsons  sent  in  a  flag  of  tryce,  asking  per- 
mission to  bury  his  dead.  The  request  was  cheerfully  granted,  and  the 
Federal  troops  willingly  assisted  in  burying  the  fallen  foe.  On  Tuesday 
the  work  of  throwing  up  intrenchments  went  on.  It  rained  all  day,  and 
the  men  stood  knee-deep  in  the  mud,  building  them.  Troops  were  sent 
out  to  forage  on  the  three  succeeding  days,  and  returned  with  large 
quantities  of  provisions  and  fodder.  ' 

All  this  time  the  pickets  were  constantly  engaged  with  the  enemy, 
well  aware  that  ten  thousand  men  Avere  threatening  thW,  and  knowing 
that  the  struggle  was  to  be  a  desperate  one.  Earthwarks  had  been 
reared  breast-high,  enclosing  an  area  of  fifteen  to  eighteen  acres,  and 
surrounded  by  a  ditch.  Outside  of  this  was  a  circle  of  twenty-one 
mines,  and  still  further  down  were  pits  to  embarrass  the  progress  of  the 
enemy.  During  the  night  of  the  17th  they  were  getting  ready  for  the 
defence,  and  heard  the  sounds  of  prepjlration  in  the  camp  of  the  enemy 
for  the  attack  on  the  morrow.  At  nine  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 
18th,  the  drxims  beat  to  arms,  and  the  terrible  struggle  commenced. 
The  enemy's  force  had  increased  to  twenty  thousand  men  and  thirteen 
pieces  of  artillery.  They  came  as  one  dark  moving  mass  of  armed  men, 
as  far  as  the  eye  couldreach.  Two  batteries  were  planted  by|them  in 
front,  one  on  the  left,  one  on  the  right,  and  one  in  the  rear,  and  opened 
with  a  terrible  fire,  which  was  answered  with  the  utmost  bravery  and 
determination.    The  batteries  opened  at  nine  o'clock,  and  never  ceased 


DEFENCE    OF   LEXINGTON,  MISSOURI.  195 

to  pour  deadly  shot  upon  the  garrison.  About  noon  the  hospital  was 
taken.  It  was  situated  on  the  left,  outside  of  the  intrenchments.  They 
besieged  it,  took  it,  and  from  the  balcony  and  roof  their  sharpshooters 
poured  a  deadly  fire  upon  the  Federal  troops.  The  hospital  contained 
the  chaplain  and  one  hundred  and  twenty  wounded  men.  But  it  could 
not  be  allowed  to  remain  the  possession  of  the  enemy.  The  Mont- 
gomery Guard,  Captain  Gleason,  of  the  Irish  Brigade,  was  brought  out, 
and  the  word  to  "  charge  "  given.  They  stormed  up  the  slope  to  the 
hospital,  took  it,  and  drove  the  enemy  in  wild  confusion  down  the  hill. 
The  fire  of  the  rebels  was  for  the  time  lessened,  only  to  be  increased 
towards  evening,  and  word  was  sent  that  if  the  Federal  troops  did  not 
surrender  before  the  next  morning,  the  black  flag  would  be  hoisted  and 
no  quarter  given. 

The  next  morning  the  fire  was  resumed  and  continued  all  day.  A 
fierce  bayonet  charge  was  made  by  the  garrison,  that  served  to  show 
the  enemy  that  the  Union  troops  were  not  yet  worn  out.  All  ihdt  day 
the  soldiers  in  that  little  band  stood  straining  their  eyes  and  searching- 
•the  distance  in  hopes  that  some  friendly  flag  might  be  coming  to  their 
assistance.  But  no  welcome  flag  came  in  sight,  and  with  the  energy  of 
despair  they  determined  to  do  their  duty  at  all  hazards.  It  was  in- 
tensely hot: — the  lips  of  the  men  were  parched  and  blistering.  They 
were  without  water,  and  yet  no  word  of  •murmuring  was  heard.  That 
night  two  wells  were  dug.  The  morning  of  the  next  day,  the  20th, 
dawned  sadly  upon  them,  and  still  the  battle  raged  furiously.  The 
rebels  had  constructed  moveable  breastworks  of  hemp  bales,  rolled  them 
up  the  hill,  and  advanced  their  batteries  so  as  to  command  the  fortifica- 
tions. Heated  shot  were  fired  at  them  but  without  avail,  they  having  been 
thoroughly  water-soaked.  The  outer  breastworks  Avere  soon  carried  by 
a  charge  from  the  enemy,  the  Federal  lines  broken,  and  the  rebels 
rushed  in.  At  point  after  point  they  were  repulsed,  but  the  cartridges 
of  the  Union  troops  had  given  out,  and  it  was  evident  that  the  struggle 
could  not  be  protracted.  Of  a  sudden  the  firing  ceased,  and  it  was 
subsequently  ascertained  that  the  Home  Guards  had  hoisted  a  white 
flflg.  It  was  taken  down,  but  again  raised  by  the  same  hands  from  the 
centre  of  the  fortifications — when  the  fire  of  the  enemy  slackened  and 
ceased.  Under  this  state  of  aflfairs.  Colonel  Mulligan,  calling  his  oflicers 
into  council,  decided  to  capitulate,  and  Captain  McDermott  went  out  to 
the  enemy's  lines,  with  a  handkerchief  tied  to  a  ramrod,  and  a  parley 
took  place.  Major  Moore,  of  the  brigade,  was  sent  to  General  Price's 
headquarters^  at  New  Lexington,  to  know  the  terms  of  capitulation. 
These  were  soon  made  known ;  the  officers  to  be  retained  as  prisoners 
of  war,  the  men  to  be  allowed  to  parole,  with  their  personal  property, 
surrendering  their  arms  and  accoutrements. 


196  THE  WAR  FOR  THE   UNION. 

Reluctantly  this  was  acceded  to,  aVid  the  surrender  took  place.  At 
four  p.  M.  on  Saturday,  tlie  Federal  forces,  having  laid  down  their  arms, 
were  marched  out  of  the  intrenchments  to  the  tune  of  "  Dixie,"  played 
by  the  febel  bands.  They  left  behind  them  their  arms  and  accoutre- 
ments, reserving  only  their  clothing.  Many  of  the  men  wept  on  leaving 
their  colors  behind,  as  each  company  in  the  brigade  had  its  own  stan- 
dard presented  by  its  friends.  At  the  surrender,  the  muster-rolls  of  the 
companies  were  taken  to  General  Price's  headquarters,  the  list  of  officers 
made  out,  and  they  ofdered  to  report  themselves  as  prisoners  of  war. 

The  scenes  at  the  capitulation  were  extraordinary.  Colonel  Mulligan 
shed  tears.  The  men  threw  themselves  upon  the  ground,  raved  and 
stormed ;  well  nigh  frenzied,  demanding  to  be  led  out  again  and  "  finish 
the  thing."  In  Colonel  Marshall's  Cavalry  regiment,  the  feeling  was 
equally  intense.  Much  havoc  had  already  been  done  among  their 
horses  during  the  siege,  and  but  little  more  than  half  of  them  remained. 
Numbers  of  the  privates  actually  shot  their  own  horses  dead  on  the 
spot,  unwilling  that  their  companions  in  the  campaign  should  now  fall 
into  the  enemy's  hands. 

The  privates,  numbering  some  one  thousand  five  hundred  strong, 
were  first  compelled  to  take  the  oath  not  to  serve  against  the  Con- 
federate States,  when  they  were  put  across  the  river,  and  in  charge  of 
General  Rains  marched  on  Saturday  night  to  Richmond,  sixteen  miles, 
whence  on  Sunday  they  marched  to  Hamilton,  a  station  on  the  Hanni- 
bal and  St.  Joseph  railroad,  where  they  Avere  declared  free  to  go 
where  they  pleased. 

No  reliable  statement  of  the  casualties  at  the  siege  of  Lexington  seems 
to  have  been  published.  Of  the  irregular  army  of  General  Price,  large 
numbers  of  whom  were  not  enrolled,  but  were  outside  volunteers,  many 
were  killed  and  buried  on  the  spot,  no  record  being  made  of  their  loss. 
One  hundred  and  forty  Federals  were  left  in  the  hospital,  many  of 
whom  were  suffering  from  sickness,  and  not  from  wounds.  Colonel 
Mulligan  lost  probably  two  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded,  while  the 
rebel  loss  could  not  have  been  less,  and  according  to  some  estimates 
must  have  reached  three  or  four  times  that  number.  General  Price's 
force  was  estimated  at  numbers  varying  from  twenty  to  thirty  thousand, 
the  lowest  being  probably  nearest  the  actual  number,  with  twenty-one 
pieces  of  artillery. 

General  Price,  in  his  official  report  to  Governor  Jackson,  inventoried 
his  acquisitions  as  follow: — "Three  thousand  five  hundred  prisoners, 
including  the  colonels,  and  one  hundred  and  eighteen  commissioned  offi- 
cers, five  pieces  of  artillery  and  two  mortars,  over  three  thousand  stand 
of  infantry  arms,  a  large  number  of  sabres,  about  seven  hundred  and 
fifty  horses,  many  sets  of  cavalry  equipments,  wagons,  teams,  ammu- 


ATTACK   ON  SANTA  EOSA  ISLAND.  199 

nition,  more  than  a  l^^indred  thousand  dollars'  -worth  of  commissary 
stores,  and  a  large  amount  of  other  property." 

For  daring  and  patient  suffering — fighting  day  after  day  without 
Avater,  the  battle  of  Lexington  stands  almost  without  a  rival  in  history. 
It  was  stubbornly  contested,  and  evinced  in  the  most  striking  manner 
the  devotion  and  faithfulness  of  the  adopted  citizens  of  our  country. 


ATTACK  ON  SANTA  EOSA  ISLAITD.  * 

October  9,  1861. 

Santa  Rosa  Island  is  a  long,  narrow  strip  of  low  land,  partially  cov- 
ered with  bushes  and  stunted  trees,  lying  opposite  Escambia  and  Santa 
Rosa  counties,  on  the  western  coast  of  Florida.  The  Bay  of  Pensacola 
is  separated  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  by  this  island,  which  vai-ies  in 
width  from  one  hundred  yards  to  five-eighths  of  a  mile.  At  the  west- 
ern extremity  of  the  island  Fort  Pickens  stands,  commanding  the  chan- 
nel, and  on  the  mainland,  a  short  distance  west  of  the  Navy  Yard,  is 
Fort  San  Carlos  de  Barrancas. 

General  Bragg,  commanding  at  Pensacola,  had  matured  a  well-devised 
plan  by  which  he  designed  to  surprise  and  capture  Fort  Pickens,  but 
in  which  he  was  signally  defeated  by  the  watchfulness  and  bravery  of 
the  troops  at  the  fort,  and  on  the  island.  The  Federal  force  encamped 
on  the  island  was  a  part  of  the  New  York  Sixth  Volunteers,  known  as 
Wilson's  Zouaves,  numbering  about  three  hundred  men ;  and  the  de- 
struction or  capture  of  this  force,  was  the  first  design  of  the  leaders  of 
the  expedition,  who  confidently  hoped,  in  the  confusion  arising  from  a 
night  attack  and  rout,  to  obtain  possession  or  destroy  the  batteries  on 
the  island,  if  not  to  capture  Fort  Pickens  itself. 

On  the  morning  of  Wednesday,  the  9th  of  October,  at  two  o'clock, 
the  enemy  silently  commenced  their  advance  upon  the  camp  from  a 
point  about  four  miles  distant,  where  they  had  landed  during  the  night, 
about  fifteen  hundred  strong,  under  General  Anderson.  Tlie  night  was 
extremely  dark,  and  it  was  almost  impossible  to  distinguish  any  object 
at  a  distance  of  twenty  yards.  The  Zouaves,  numbering  about  three 
hundred,  were  encamped  a  mile  from  the  fort,  on  the  shore,  but  between 
the  fort  and  the  approaching  foe,  with  their  pickets  thrown  out  a  mile 
in  advance.  About  three  o'clock,  the  rebels,  having  driven  in  the  pick- 
ets, who  made  a  gallant  resistance,  reached  the  camp  of  Colonel  Wilson, 
and  owing  to  the  confusion  and  darkness,  before  he  had  time  to  form 
his  men,  they  were  driven  from  their  tents,  many  of  which  were  burnt 
or  destroyed  by  the  enemy. 

On  the  first  alarm,  Colonel  Harvey  Brown,  commandant  of  the  fort, 


200  THE   WAB   FOE  THE   UNIOX. 

dispatched  Major  Vogdes,  with  two  companieswf  regulars,  to  the  scene 
of  conflict.  Tlie  men  soon  became  intermingled  with  the  enemy,  who 
Bucceeded  in  taking  the  Major  prisoner.  Major  Arnold,  with  two  ad- 
ditional  companies,  was  soon  after  sent  out  from  the  fort,  and  favored 
by  the  light  of  the  burning  tents,  they  were  enabled  to  ascertain  the 
position  and  force  of  the  enemy,  and  gallantly  rushed  to  the  attack. 
Captain  Iliklt,  now  in  command' of  the  two  companies  which  had  been  * 
Jpd  on  by  Major  Vogdes,  extricated  his  men  from  their  perilous  position, 
and  opened  a  well-directed  fire  on  the  enemy,  compelling  them  reluc- 
tantly to  give  way.  Colonel  Wilson,  Avho  had  succeeded  in  bringing  a 
body  of  his  men  together  after  their  sudden  surprise,  formed  them  into 
line,  and  now  joined  in  the  battle,  when  the  insurgents  were  very  soon 
thrown  into  confusion,  and  made  a  rapid  retreat  to  their  boats,  pursued 
by  a  victorious  force  of  only  one  fourth  their  number. 

Colonel  Brown,  in  his  report,  says  that  "  the  pla;n  of  the  enemy's  at- 
tack was  judicious;  and,  if  executed  with  ordinary  ability,  might  have 
been  attended  with  serious  loss  to  the  Unionists.  But  he  failed  in  all 
save  the  burning  of  one-half  of  the  tents  of  the  Sixth  regiment,  which, 
being  covered  with,  bushes,  Avere  very  combustible,  and  in  ritling  the 
trunks  of  the  officers.  He  did  not  reach  within  five  hundred  yards  of 
either  of  the  batteries,  the  guijs  of  which  he  was  to  spike ;  nor  within  a 
mile  of  the  fort  he  was  to  enter  with  the  fugitives  retreating  before  his 
victorious  arms ! " 

Many  of  the  rebels  were  wounded  by  the  sharp  firing  continued  by 
the  Federal  troops  during  their  re-embarkation.  One  of  their  fiat-boats 
sunk,  and  many  bodies  were  found  floating  in  the  water  on  the  follow- 
ing day.  The  Federal  loss  was  fifteen  killed,  forty-one  wouiuied,  and 
eighteen  prisoners ;  that  of  the  rebels  in  killed  and  wounded  was  over 
one  hundred,  and  thirty-five  of  them  remained  prisoners  in  the  hands 
of  the  Federal  forces. 


BATTLE  or  BALL'S  BLUri. 

October  21,  1861. 

Perhaps  no  event  in  the  course  of  the  war  thus  far  produced  a  more 
profound  sensation  than  the  news  of  the  Battle  of  Ball's  Bluft',  which 
occurred  on  the  21st  of  October.  The  loss  of  life  was  heavy  on  the 
part  of  the  Federals.  Several  accomplished  and  valuable  officers  were 
killed,  among  whom  was  the  distinguished  and  eloquent  Senator  from 
Oregon,  General  Baker.  The  fatality  attending  this  battle  caused  it  to 
be  regarded  with  peculiar  interest,  and  remembered  as  fruitful  in  daring 
deeds  and  memorials  of  terrible  bloodshed. 


BAnXE    OF   BALLS   BLUFF.  201 

Tlie  north  and  south  banks  of  the  Potomac  river,  from  the  Great 
Falls,  a  few  miles  above  Washington,  to  Harper's  Ferry,  were  hiild  by 
the  Federal  and  secession  troops  respectively.  Great  care  was  taken  by 
th6  Government  to  defend  the  north  bank,  tin  order  to  prevent  the 
threatened  incursion  of  the  enemy  into  Maryland,  from  whence,  aided 
by  the  disunion  sympathizers  of  that  State,  they  designed  to  make  the 
long  contemplated  attack  upon  the  capital.  Among  the  troops  stationed 
on  the  Potomac,  extending  from  Grea!t  Falls  to  Edwards  Feny,  was 
the  division  of  General  Banks;  from  Edwards  Ferry  to,  Coni-ad's 
Ferry,  a  division  under  General  Stone ;  while  Colonels  Lander,  Geary, 
and  others  held  the  line  thence  to  Harper's  Ferry. 

On  the  south  side  of  the  river,  two  strong  positions  were  held  by  the 
enemy — Dranesville  and  Leesburg.  The  latter  is  the  terminus  of  the 
Loudon  and  Hampshire  railroad,  about  five  miles  from  the  Potomac,  and 
opposite  Edwards  Ferry.  The  Southern  commanders  having  determined 
to  abandon  their  design  of  crossing  the  Potomac,  had  commenced  the 
withdrawal  of  their  troops  from  various  points  towards  Manassas. 

General  McClellan,  anxious  to  ascertain  Avhether  any  movement  of 
the  forces  at  Leesburg  and  Dranesville  had  been  made,  directed  General 
McCall,  on  the  18th,  to  push  a  reconnoissance  in  force  in  the  direction 
of  Dranesville.  General  McCall  penetrated  to  that  town,  found  that 
the  enemy  had  evacuated  the  place,  and  was  informed  that  Leesburg 
had  also  been  abandoned. 

While  this  reconnoissance  was  progressing.  General  McClellan  in- 
formed General  Stone  of  the  fact,  and  directed  him  to  make  careful 
observations  of  the  movements  of  the  eAemy,  to  ascertain  what  effect 
was  produced  by  the  expedition  of  General  McCall.  He  also  suggested 
that  a  slight  demonstration  on  his  own  part  might  be  successful  in  ex- 
pediting their  removal. 

In  obedience  to  these  orders.  General  Stone,  on  the  20th,  made  a  feint 
of  crossing  the  river  at  Edwards  Ferry,  while  four  companies  of  the 
Fifteenth  Massachusetts  were  sent  to  Harrison's  Island,  in  the  Potomae, 
situated  between  Edwards  and  Conrad's  Ferries.  At  ten  o'clock,  p.  jr., 
Lieutenant  Howe,  Quartermaster  of  the  Fifteenth  Massachusetts,  re- 
ported that  Lieutenant  Philbrick  had  returned  to  the  island  from  his 
reconnoissance  to  Leesburg,  and  that  he  had  been  within  one  mile  of 
that  place,  discovei'ing  only  a  small  encampment  of  thirty  tents,  and 
without  encountering  any  of  the  enemy — no  pickets  being  out  at  any 
distance  from  their  camp. 

The  Federal  forces  in  that  vicinity  were  then  posted  as  follows : — 
General  Stone,  with  General  Gorman's  brigade.  Seventh  Michigan,  two 
troops  of  Van  Alen  cavalry,  and  the  Putnam  Rangers,  at  Edwards 
Ferry;   five  companies  of  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  under  Colonel 


202  THE   WAR   FOR  THE   UNIOW. 

Devens,  at  Harrison's  Island  ;  and  Colonel  Lee,  with  a  battalion  of  the 
Massachusetts  Twentieth,  a  section  of  the  Rhode  Island  battery,  and  the 
Tammany  regiment,  were  sent  to  Conrad's  Ferry.  A  section  of  Bun- 
ting's New  York  batte|^  was  planted  at  Edwards  and  a  section  of 
Rickett's  battery  at  Conrad's  Ferry. 

When  the  report  of  the  scouts  was  received,  orders  were  sent  to 
Colonel  Devens  to  march  four  companies  to  the  Virginia  shore,  from 
Harrison's  Island,  and  under  cover  of  the  night,  take  up  a  position  near 
the  camp  referred  to,  and  attack  it  at  daybreak',  drive  out  the  enemy, 
pursue  them  as  far  as  prudent,  and  return  to  the  island.  Orders  were 
also  sent  to  Colonel  Baker,  to  march  the  First  California  regiment  to 
Conrad's  Ferry,  to  arrive  there  at  sunrise,  and  to  have  the  remainder 
of  his  brigade  ready  to  move  at  an  early  hour. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Wood,  of  the  Fifteenth  Massachusetts,  was  also 
ordered  to  move  with  a  battalion  to  the  river  bank  opposite  Harrison's 
Island  by  daybreak.  Two  mounted  howitzers  in  charge  of  Lieutenant 
Trench,  of  Rickett's  battery,  were  ordered  to  the  tow-path  of  the  canal 
opposite  Harrison's  Island. 

This  disposition  of  the  troops  having  been  made  for  the  commence- 
ment of  the  movement,  it  was  necessary  to  provide  the  means  for  their 
transportation  across  the  river,  which  is  quite  rapid  at  this  point.  Ed- 
wards Ferry  is  below  the  island,  which  is  about  three  miles  in  length, 
and  Conrad's  Ferry  is  a  short  distance  beyond  the  upper  end.  The 
island  lies  about  a  third  of  the  distance  from  the  Virginia  shore,  while 
a  swift  current  of  three  hundred  yards  separates  it  from  the  Maryland 
banks,  traversed  by  a  tow-path  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  canal.  The 
Virginia  bank  opposite  the  island  is  steep,  and  is  backed  by  a  precipi- 
tous bluff,  varying  in  height  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  • 
covered  with  brush,  trees  and  undergrowth. 

There  was  no  adequate  preparation  to  effect  the  passage  of  troops  at 
these  points.  The  means  were  scanty  either  for  reinforcement,  or  for 
retreat,  if  that  should  become  necessary.  On  the  Maryland  side  of 
Harrison's  Island  were  two  scows,  capable  of  carrying  thirty  persons 
each,  which  could  make  two  trips  hourly,  thus  conveying  one  hundred 
and  twenty  men.  On  the  Virginia  side  was  one  scow  and  a  small  boat. 
At  Edwards  Ferry  there  were  two  scows  and  a  ship's  yawl.  With  thes^ 
insufficient  means  of  transportation  an  attempt  was  made  to  land  the 
forces  on  the  opposite  j^ore. 

The  landings  at  both  of  the  ferries  are  good,  but  stretching  almost 
the  entire  distance  between  them  is  the  high  and  steep  bank  known  as 
Ball's  Bluff,  where  the  crossing  was  attempted,  and  which  has  given  its 
name  to  this  bloody  struggle. 

Passing  along  and  up  the  steep  and  difficult  way  from  the  landing 


BATTLE    OF    BAl'x's    BLUFF.  203 

below  the  bluff  until  it  turns  at  the  top,  the  road  enters  an  open  field  of 
some  six  acres,  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  a  fcrest.  In  this  field  the 
battle  took  place,  the  rebel  forces  being  posted  in  the  woods. 

At  daybreak,  four  companies  of  the  Massachusetts  Fifteenth,  under 
Colonel  Devens,  had  reached  the  opposite  shore,  and  after  reconnoiter- 
ing  had  formed  their  line  on  Ball's  Bluff,  on  the  edge  of  the  corn-field. 
"While  in  this  position  they  were  attacked  by  a  considerable  body  of  the 
enemy,  with  whom  an  irregular  skirmish  was  kept  up.  Colonel  Baker 
had  during  the  morning  been  transferred  from  Conrad's  Ferry  to  Har- 
rison's Island,  and  appointed  to  the  command.  About  noon  the  rein- 
forcements began  to  come  up,  consisting  of  three  companies  of  the 
Massachusetts  Twentieth,  six  hundred  of  the  California  regiment,  two 
companies  of  the  Tammany  regiment,  with  two  howitzers  and  one  rifled 
gun,  in  charge  of  Lieutenant  Bramhall  of  the  New  York  Ninth. 

In  the  mean  time  the  rebels,  well  informed  of  the  difficulties  of  the 
Federal  position,  and  only  awaiting  the  arrival  of  a  larger  number  that 
they  might  add  to  the  magnitude  of  the  victory  which  Avas  within  their 
grasp  at  any  moment,  having  engaged  the  Federals  by  a  series  of 
irregular  'skirmishes  during  the  earlier  part  of  the  day,  concentrated 
their  forces  on  General  Baker's  command  at  half  past  two  o'clock. 
With  a  force  of  three  thousand  men  they  commenced  a  vigorous  attack 
from  the  woods  on  three  sides  of  the  Federal  position.  A  portion  of 
Colonel  Gorman's  command  at  Edwards  Ferry  crossed  over,  but  from 
want  of  means  of  ti'ansportation  could  not  make  either  their  numbers 
or  presence  of  effective  service. 

The  real  battle,  however,  commenced  on  the  left.  Baker  threw  the 
whole  responsibility  of  that  wing  upon  Wistar.  The  latter  did  not  like 
the  appearance  of  the  adjacent  Avood  region,  and  threw  forward  com- 
panies A  and  D  of  his  battalion  to  test  them.  Captains  Markoe  and 
Wade,  the  former  well  ahead,  accordingly  advanced  on  their  hazardous 
duty ;  passed  through  the  forest  to  the  horn-like  projection  of  the  'field, 
crossed  it,  and  had  arrived  within  ten  paces  of  the  further  thicket,  when  * 
a  murderous  fire  blazed  out  upon  them. 

The  poor  fellows  gallantly  sprang  through  it  upon  their  assailants, 
and  were  in  a  moment  fighting  in  the  woods.  Not  half  of  this  noble 
hand  ever  came  back.  ,The  rebels,  taking  this  as  a  signal  for  the  com- 
mencement of  the  action,  now  bestirred  themselves  in  force,  and  fired  a 
terrific  volley  along  their  whole  front.  Only  the  sheeted  flash  showed 
itself  from  those  frowning  forests  ;  the  foe  still  clung  to  cover ;  but  the 
hail  of  bullets  rattled  against  the  Union  lines,  and  many  brave  souls 
were  sent  into  eternity. by  that  first  fiery  revelation  of  the  enemy's 
strength.  The  reply  was  instant  and  extended.  In  a  second  both  ends 
of  the  field  were  clouded  with  smoke,  the  day's  skinnishing  was  over, 


204  niE  WAU  Fon  the  uxion. 

and  the  contest  that  was  to  rage  so  hotly  for  an  hour  had  commenced 
its  fury. 

Tlie  battle  on  the  part  of  the  Federals  was  fought  heroically,  and  in 
a  true  sacrificial  spirit.  The  enemy  was  in  force  in  front ;  he  began  to 
creep  down  the  treacherous  sides  of  the  enclosure ;  his  sharpshooters 
climbed  the  trees  everywhere,  picking  out  the  stateliest  and  most  gal- 
lant forms  for  the  death  they  so  unerringly  dealt.  The  lines  thus  re- 
ceived a  scathing  fire  from  the  front,  from  above,  and  a  cross-fire  at 
angles  right  and  left.  All  they  could  do  in  reply  was  to  aim  steadily 
and  swiftly  at  the  places  whence  the  loudest  yells  and  deadliest  volleys 
proceeded.  But  the  men  dropped  eveiywhere,  and  were  borne  by  dozens 
to  the  gory  skiffs  below.  On  the  right  the  Massachusetts  men  Avere 
more  than  decimated  by  the  regular,  unavoidable  shower  of  bullets. 
But  against  the  left,  where  Wistar  commanded,  the  rebels,  confident 
of  their  force  and  the  effect  of  their  deadly  fire  in  front,  began  to  make 
venturesome  charges,  each  one  repelled  by  the  gallant  fire  of  the  Cali- 
fornians,  but  each  one  getting  nearer  the  Federal  lines  than  the  last. 
On  the  fourth  charge  they  actually  flanked  the  left,  and  sprang  forth, 
savage  and  eager,  from  the  thicket  beyond  the  ravine.  Down  this  they 
were  about  to  plunge.  "  Hold !  "  cried  Wistar  to  his  men ;  "  not  a  man 
of  you  must  fire ; "  and  he  dashed  at  the  piece  of  one ;  "  wait  till  they 
reach  the  bottom  of  the  ravine ;  then  we'll  have  them." 

So  they  charged  down  the  hill,  oflly  to  meet  the  most  effective  volley 
fired  on  the  Union  side  during  that  day.  When  the  smoke  rose  their 
front  ranks  lay  fallen  in  the  hollow  of  the  valley  of  death,  and  the  rear 
had  broken  and  fled  in  disorder  through  the  forest. 

Lieutenant  Bramhall  had  posted  his  gun  near  the  centre  of  the  line, 
and  opened  fire  to  the  best  advantage  possible.  When  he  mounted  the 
piece,  he  had  eight  artillerists,  three  riders,  a  corporal  and  sergeant. 
In  ten  minutes,  five  of  these  Avere  shot  down ;  in  the  end,  all  but  two 
were  killed,  wounded  or  missing.  Lieutenant  Bramhall  himself  was 
severely  wounded,  but  stood  by  his  gun.  Colonel  Coggswell  saw  the 
necessity  of  the  case,  informed  Colonels  Wistar  and  Lee,  Adjutant  Har- 
vey (of  Baker's  brigade),  and  Stewart  (of  General  Stone's  staff,  present 
on  the  field) ;  and  those  five  distinguished  officers  and  determined  men 
manned  the  piece  themselves.  Coggswell  and  Harvey,  understanding 
the  business,  would  load,  while  Lee  and  Wistar  were  giving  orders  to 
their  commands,  and  spuning  them  into  the  fight ;  then  Wistar  and 
Stewart  would  wheel  the  gun  forward  to  position ;  Coggswell  M'ould 
take  aim  and  give  the  word  to  Harvey,  who  held  the  percussion  lanyard. 
In  this  way  and  by  these  men  a  dozen  of  the  twenty  rounds  used  were 
fired,  doing  more  effect  than  all  the  musketry  volleys.  When  the  enemy 
was  making  his  fiilh  charge  on  the  left,  the  cannon  had  just  been  loaded 


BATTLE  OP  ball's  BLUFF.  205 

and  was  pointed  at  the  woods  in  front.  Captain  Beiral,  of  the  Califor- 
nians,  who  was  with  his  company  supporting  the  piece,  exclaimed  to 
Coggswell, 

"  Look  to  the  left !  look  to  the  left !  " 

Coggswell  saw  the  dark  column  of  the  rebels  sweeping  across  the 
spur  of  the  field,  wheeled  the  terrible  gun  around,  and  discharged  it 
square  at  their  centre.  The  shell  opened  a  lane  through  the  charging 
force,  a  score  or  more  falling  never  to  fight  again,  and  the  column  re- 
treated upon  the  main  body  behind. 

But  the  end  was  fast  approaching.  The  thinning  Union  forces  were 
assailed  by  four  times  their  number.  From  every  side  death  stormed 
upon  their  unsheltered  bodies.  Half  their  line  officers  were  wounded 
or  killed.  The  undaunted  leaders  were  also  falling.  Ward,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  of  the  Fifteenth,  had  received  a  frightful  wound ;  Coggswell 
was  shot  through  the  wrist ;  Lee,  Devens,  Harvey  and  Stewart  were 
still  fighting  sadly  and  in  vain  ;  a  ball  shattered  Wistar's  sword  arm — 
be  dropped  the  weapon,  picked  it  up  with  his  left  hand,  and  General 
Baker  himself  restored  it  to  the  scabbard.  Tbe  shouting  enemy  began 
to  break  from  the  wood  and  through  the  smoke  upon  the  confused  lines. 
The  crisis  had  come.  Thei'e  Avas  some  hand-to-hand  fighting ;  a  few  of 
the  gray-coats  got  entangled  with  the  Federal  forces,  who  took  a 
prisoner  and  passed  him  to  the  rear  t  the  enemy  took  a  dozen,  and  made 
charge  after  vharge.  Just  then  a  body  of  men  appeared,  pressing  down 
from  the  left.  The  General  ordered  the  troops  around  him  to  stand 
firm,  and  cried,  "Who  are  those  men  ?"  "  Confederate  troops ! "  was 
the  reply ;  and  they  rushed  almost  Avithin  bayonet  distance.  One  of 
them  drew  a  revolver,  came  close  to  Baker,  and  fired  four  balls  at  the 
General,  every  one  of  Avhich  took  eff*ect,  and  a  glorious  soul  fled 
through  their  ghastly  openings.  Cai)tain  Beiral  seized  the  slayer  by  the 
throat,  and  blew  out  his  brains — the  hero  and  the  traitor  falling  Avithin 
the  same  minute,  and  face  to  face.  In  a  second  the  enemy  swarmed 
over  the  spot.  "For  God's  sake,  boys,"  cried  Adjutant  HarA-ey,  in  his 
hot  English  AA^ay,  "are  you  going  to  let  them  have  the  General's  body!" 

An  an^ry  howl  was  the  ansAver,  and  a  dozen  charged,  with  set  teeth 
and  bayonets  fixed,  upon  the  rebels,  Avho  recoiled  from  the  shock,  and 
surrendered  their  priceless  trophy.  The  body  of  this  thrice-heroic  man 
was  passed  doAvn  the  bluff,  and  safely  conveyed  to  the  island.  But  now 
the  Union  lines  were  hopelessly  disordered.  The  rebels  came  through 
both  the  field  and  Avoods  in  final  force.  CoggsAvell  saAv  that  the  d.ay  Avas 
lost,  and  that  the  desperate,  impossible  retreat  had  come.  So  he  ordered 
his  scattered  men  to  retire  for  embarkation,  and  the  field  was  given  up 
to  the  foe. 

Largo  numbers  of  the  Union  troops  had  anticipated  the  order  to 


206 


THE   WAn   FOP.   THE    UNION. 


retreat ;  'for  an  hour  the  8h6re  had  been  lined  with  strajrglers  and 
wearied  men.  Still,  the  reinforcing  business  had  not  ceased  from  the 
island,  and  during  the  fiercest  of  the  action  the  two  boats,  which  were 
bringing  away  the  dead  and  wounded,  returned  from  each  trip  laden 
with  the  residue  of  the  Tammany  and  Massachusetts  regiments.  The 
life-boat  proved  a  death-boat,  for  it  swamped,  from  some  cause,  while 
conveying  to  the  battle-field  the  last  of  the  Tammany  companies. 


DEATH   or   COLONEL   BAKCR. 


Down  the  hill  they  came,  in  every  direction  and  witliout  order,  hotly 
followed  by  the  rebels  to  the  very  edge  of  the  descent.  Th(A  the  pur 
suers  paused,  too  cautious  to  meet  the  chance  of  volleys  from  Harrison's 
Island,  but  throAving  a  pluTiging  fire  upon  the  retiring  loyalists,  and  aim- 
ing ruthlessly  at  the  hundreds  trying  to  swim  the  rapid  river  channel. 
The  tumult  and  agony  of  that  lieadlong  descent,  the  clamor  and  crowd 
alonf'  the  shore,  the  rush  into  one  wretched  skift',  already  over-laden 
with  wounded  men,  which  forced  it  beneath  the  surface  and  buouglit 
the  horror  of  death  by  water  upon  men  who  had  already  so  fairly  faced 
the  battle-field  are  beyond  description.     Who  can  depict  the  wild  strug- 


BATTLE   OP   ball's   BLTJTP  207 

gle  witlf  those  turbid  waters,  and  the  desperate  calmness  with  which 
each  wretched  soldier  went  down  at  last  ?  Who  can  tell  of  those  who, 
struck  down  by  the  fire  from  above,  slipped  in  their  own  blood  upon 
the  clayey  river  bank ;  of  those  Avho  wasted  too  feeble  strength  in  swim- 
ming half  way  across  the  cruel  stream ;  of  the  shouts  for  help  where  no 
help  came.  A  few,  more  fiercely  courageous  than  the  rest,  dragged  the 
cannon  to  the  edge  of  the  hill  and  plunged  them  over,  thus  rendering 
them  useless  to  the  enemy.  The  colonels  who  had  fought  so  steadily 
still  refused  to  surrender,  but  guarded  theC  retreat,  so  far  as  desperate 
courage  could  do  it,  to  the  end.  Led  by  CoggSAvell  and  Lee,  several 
organized  companies  charged  up  at  their  tormentors,  once  and  again 
returning  dangerous  volleys.  They  kept  tlie  enemy  at  bay  till  long  after 
nightfall  closed  upon  the  scene.  All  who  could  pass,  over  to  the  island 
had  escaped,  and  midnight  was  close  upon  them  before  the  two  colonels 
and  the  other  field  officers  still  on  the  shore  saw  that  their  duty  was 
accomplished,  and  surrendered  themselves  and  the  remnant  of  their 
commands  to  the  enemy. 

A  most  painful  scene  transpired  at  the  sinking  of  the  launch,  in  which 
were  some  sixty  wounded  men,  and  twenty  or  thirty  members  of  the 
California  First.  ■  The  launch  had  been  safely  taken  half  way  across  the 
river,  when,  to  their  utter  consternation,  it  was  discovered  that  it  was 
leaking,  and  the  .water  gradually,  but  surely,  gaining  upon  them.  The 
wounded  Avere  lying  at  the  bottom,  suffering  intolerably  from  their 
various  dislocations,  wounds  and  injuries,  and  all  soaking  in  water, 
which  at  the  very  start  was  fully  four  inches  deep.  As  the  water  grew 
deeper  and  rose  above  the  prostrate  forms  of  the  wounded,  their  com- 
rades lifted  them  into  sitting  postures  that  they  might  not  be  strangled 
by  the  fast  rising  stream.  But  the  groans  and  cries,  screams  and  moan- 
ings  of  the  poor  fellows  who  were  thus  tortured,  were  most  distressing 
and  indescribable.  Despite  all  that  could  be  done,  the  fate  of  the 
launch,  and  all  that  were  in  it,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  expert 
swimmers,  was  sealed;  suddenly,  and  like  a  flash  of  lightning,  the 
fragile  craft  sunk,  carrying  with  it  at  least  fifty  dying  sufferers,  and 
some  twenty  or  thirty  others,  who  had  trusted  their  lives  to  its  treach- 
erous hold. 

The  very  skies  were  pitiless  that  evening.  O  the  misery  of  the 
black,  tempestuous  night,  when  the  rain  poured  down  upon  tliat  narrow 
island  where  those  who  escaped  the  flood  and  field  were  bivouacked, 
huddled  together  and  bereft  of  their  comrades-in-arms  !  Scores  of  the 
dead  were  guarded  by  sullen  watchers ;  the  wounded  were  tencred  in 
every  possible  shelter.  The  river  swelled  in  a  kind  of  savage  triumph 
over  the  havoc  it  had  made,  its  current  darkling  and  murmuring 
on  the  east  and  west,  while  on  the  opposite  shore  lay  their  dead  com- 


808  THE  WAR  FOB  THE  UmOK. 

rades,  whose  white  faces  the  rain  beat  in  merciless  fury,  but  ali  unfelt, 
and  far  mOre  harmless  than  it  fell  upon  the  living  victims. 

Next  morning  boat  loads  of  dead  and  wounded  Avere  brought  from 
the  battle-field  under  a  flag  of  truce  ;  and  a  dispatch  had  been  publi-shed 
in  Washington  stating  that  General  Stone  had  successfully  thrown  his 
force  across  the  Potomac,  and  held  his  position  secure  against  any  hos- 
tile force. 

The  statistics  of  tliis  conflict  show  that  the  total  number  of  Federal 
troops  that  crossed  the  Vir^nia  channel  was  about  1,853  ofiicers  and 
men.  Of  these  653  belonged  to  the  Massachusetts  Fifteenth,  340  to  the 
Massachusetts  Twentieth,  about  360  to  the  Tammany  regiment,  and 
§70  to  the  first  battalion  of  the  First  California.  The  ^Massachusetts 
Fifteenth  lost  in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing  322,  including  a  lieu- 
tenant-colonel (wounded),  and  14  o\it  of  28  line  ofllicers  who  crossed. 
The  Massachusetts  Twentieth  lost  in  all  159,  including  a  colonel,  major, 
surgeon,  and  adjutant  (prisoners),  and  8  out  of  17  line  ofiicers  who 
crossed.  The  Tammany  companies  lost  163,  including  a  colonel,  and  7 
out  of  12  line  ofiicers  who  crossed.  The  Californians  lost  300,  including 
their  colonel  (the  general  commanding),  lieutenant-colonel  (wounded), 
adjutant,  and  15  line  officers  out  of  17  who  crossed.  Total  engaged  in 
the  fight,  1,853  ;  total  losses,  953  ;  field  officers  crossing,  11  ;  returning 
uninjured,  3  ;  line  officers  crossing,  74  ;  returning  uninjured,  30. 

The  troops  that  were  successful  in  reaching  Harrison's  Island  re- 
mained there  during  the  night  of  the  21st,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  _ 
22d  were  all  passed  over  in  safety  to  the  Maryland  shore,  no  attempl^.  ■ 
being  made  by  the  rebels  to  interfere  with  the'  movement.  The  con- 
dition of  many  of  the  men  was  pitiful.  Some  <5f  them  in  their  encoun- 
ters with  the  enemy,  and  in  struggling  through  the  trees  and  thorny- 
undergrowth,  or  plunging  down  the  rocky  steep,  having  been  almost 
stripped  of  clothing.  In  a  short  time  they  were  encamped  in  comforable 
quarters,  and  the  wounded  were  provided  for  with  the  greatest  care. 

Large  bodies  of  rebel  troops  had  been  brought  up  to  Locsburg  after 
the  battle,  to  defend  that  point,  and  to  make  an  offensive  movement,  if 
deemed  expedient.  About  four  thousand  Federals,  under  the  command 
of  General  Stone,  occupied  the  Virginia  shore  immediately  opj)osite 
Edwards  Ferry,  and  were  in  imminent  danger  of  attack  from  the  now 
rapidly  increasing  force  of  rebels  threatening  their  front.  Generals 
McClellan  and  Banks,  who  had  repaired  to  Edwards  Ferry,  on  the 
Maryland  shore,  and  were  ready  to  furnish  large  reinforcements  in 
the  ewnt  of  a  general  engagement,  watched  with  anxiety  the  rebel 
movements  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  Becoming  convinced  that 
the  means  of  transportation  were  entirely  inadequate  to  properly  rein- 
force General  Stone's  command^  the  commandor-iu-cliief  ordered  a  with- 


BATTLE  OF  BALL's  BLUFF.    |S|^  .  209 

drawal  of  all  the  Federal  forces  to  the  Maryland  shore,  which  was  safoljr 
accomplished  on  the  night  of  the  23d. 

Colonel  E.  D.  Baker,  whose  death  will  malce  this  battle-field  immortal, 
was  born  in  England,  early  left  an  orphan,  and  emigrated  to  this  coun- 
try. Few  men  have  had  a  more  eventful  career,  and  few  men  have 
done  so  much  to  win  the  admiration  of  the  people.  He  was,  without 
question,  one  of  the  ablest  speakers  in  the  country ;  when  he  addressed 
public  audiences  he  thrilled  them  with  the  electricity  of  his  eloquence, 
and  kindled  them  by  his  earnestness  as  a  storm  of  fire  sweeps  over  the 
prairie.  For  many  years,  whether  at  the  bar,  in  the  Congress  of  the 
nation,  or  before  wild  wood  caucuses ;  in  speaking  to  citizens,  jurors, 
statesmen  or  soldiers;  on  the  slope  of  the  Atlantic,  in  the  valley  of  the 
Mississippi,  at  the  head  of  legions  in  Mexico,  before  the  miners  of  Cali- 
fornia, or  upon  the  banks  of  the  Columbia,  he  held  a  place  with  the  best 
men  and  finest  orators  in  the  land. 

At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  the  State  of 
Illinois.  Subsequently  he  tAvice  represented  that  State  in  the  lower 
house  of  Congress.  In  1846  he  resigned  in  order  to  lead  the  Fourth 
Illinois  regiment  to  Mexico.  At  Cerro  Gordo,  after  the  fall  of  General 
Shields,  as  senior  Colonel  he  took  command  of  the  brigade,  and  fought 
through  the  desperate  battle  in  a  manner  that  drew  an  especial  comph- 
ment  from  General  Twiggs. 

Returning  home,  he  was,  after  his  recovery  from  a  severe  wound  re- 
ceived on  the  Rio  Grande,  again  elected  to  Congress.  Later  in  life  he  was 
connected  with  the  Panama  railroad ;  still  later,  in  1852,  he  removed  with 
his  family  to  Oregon,  where  he  was  elected  United  States  Senator. 

The  struggle  for  the  Union  came,  and  he  hastened  to  New  York, 
where  his  fiery  eloquence  stirred  the  heart  of  its  people.  When  they 
rushed  impetuously  to  arms,  he  warned  the  country  of  the  magnitude 
of  the  struggle,  and  was  foremost  in  support  of  the  Government.  He 
was  not,  however,  a  speaker  only,  but  a  worker  as  well.  In  a  little  time 
he  had  gathered  about  him  an  effective  regiment.  Men  from  all  States 
rushed  to  fill  up  the  ranks.  Refusing  to  resign  his  position  in  the  Sen- 
ate and  be  promoted  to  a  Major-Generalship,  he  retained  his  simple  title 
of  Colonel,  and  died  with  no  higher  rank. 

He  was  killed  at  the  head  of  his  brigade,  and  with  his  life's  blood 
sealed  the  vow  he,  had  made  to  see  America  a  free  and  united  people  or 
die  in  the  struggle.  Courageous,  upright,  earnest,  indomitable  spirits 
like  his  can  never  be  forgotten ;  they  are  the  jewels  of  a  nation,  which 
brighten  as  they  pass  into  eternity.  In  his  own  words,  the  words  that 
from  his  eloquent  lips  rung  over  the  grave  of  Broderick,  let  us  give  him 
to  immortality. 

"  True  friend  and  hero,  hail  and  farewell  1 " 
14 


tlO  THB  WAB  FOR  THK  UNIOW. 


BATTLE  AT  OAMP  WILD  OAT,  KT. 

OCTOBBE   21,    1861. 

On  the  same  day  that  the  disastrous  battle  at  Ball's  Bluff,  Va.,  was 
fought,  and  also  the  successful  engagement  of  Colonel  Plummer's  com- 
mand at  Frederickton,  Mo.,  a  spirited  fight  was  ma,intained  by  a  small 
force  of  Federal  troops  in  Kentucky.  They  were  successful  in  resisting 
the  attack  of  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  under  General  ZoUicoffer,  who 
had  made  advances  into  that  State  from  Tennessee,  by  the  Cumberland 
Gap.  The  engagement  was  unimportant  when  viewed  in  reference  to 
the  numbers  engaged,  or  the  loss  of  life,  but  its  moral  effects  were  sig- 
nificant. It  was  the  first  battle  thus  far  that  had  taken  place  upon  the 
soil  of  Kentucky,  and  it  was  bravely  fought  by  her  own  loyal  sons. 

To  oppose  the  advance  of  the  rebels,  a  single  Kentucky  regiment, 
under  Colonel  Garrard,  was  stationed  at  Rock-castle  creek,  at  an  en- 
campment known  by  the  name  of  "Wild  Cat."  General  Zollicoffer 
conceived  the  design  of  cutting  off  this  isolated  regiment,  and  for  that 
purpose  was  moving  rapidly  forward  with  six  regiments  of  infantry  and 
one  of  cavalry,  sacking  the  towns  of  Barboursville  and  Loudon  in  his 
progress.  General  Alb  in  Schoepf,  who  commanded  the  Federal  troops 
in  this  district,  hearing  of  the  advance  of  the  rebel  forces,  dispatched 
the  Thirty-third  Indiana,  Colonel  J.  Coburn,  from  the  camp  at  Big 
Hill,  nineteen  miles  south  of  Richmond,  with  instructions  to  occupy  an 
eminence  half  a  mile  to  the  east  of  Camp  Wild  Cat,  while  directions  were 
also  given  to  the  Fourteenth  Ohio  to  proceed  to  the  same  place ;  and 
two  regiments  of  Tennessee  Federalists,  then  at  Camp  Dick  Robinson, 
forty-four  miles  from  the  scene  of  action,  hastened  to  participate  in  the 
expected  fight,,  and  marched  the  whole  distance  on  the  day  of  the  21st, 
arriving  just  after  the  last  feint  by  the  enemy.  Colonel  Woolford's  Ken- 
tucky cavalry  had  also  arrived,  and  General  Schoepf  and  staff  reached 
the  scene  of  action  in  the  course  of  the  day. 

At  eight  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  21st,  before  the  arrival  of 
Colonel  Coburn's  forces  at  the  point  designated,  the  advance  of  the 
enemy,  with  wild  and  exultant  shouts,  attacked  Colonel  Garrard's  camp, 
and  anticipated  an  easy  victory  over  an  inferior  force,  much  reduced  by 
sickness.  But  the  brave  Kentuckians  met  them  w;ith  an  undaunted 
front,  and  poured  into  their  ranks  a  deadly  fire.  Having  been  taught 
to  despise  the  little  band  they  were  now  attacking,  the  rebels  advanced 
again  gallantly  to  the  assault,  but  the  cool  and  determined  resistance 
they  met  with  soon  put  them  to  flight,  and  they  retired  discomfited,  to 
await  the  arrival  of  the  main  body  of  their  forces. 

Meantime  Colonel  Coburn,  with  four  companies  of  the  Thirty- third 


BATTLE   AT   CAMP    WILD   CAT.  211 

Indiana,  had  started  at  seven  o'clock,  to  reach  the  hill  designated.  The 
command  consisted  of  Company  D,  Captain  McCrea ;  Company  I,  Cap* 
tain  Haiiser ;  Company  E,  Captain  Hendricks ;  and  Company  G,  Cap- 
tain Dille — in  all  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  men.  Their  arrival  was 
most  opportune,  as  the  rebel  forces  were  on  the  point  of.  seizing  the 
same  position.  The  companies  were  immediately  deployed  as  skirmish- 
ers. In  about  twenty  minutes,  the  rebels,  Avho  were  concealed  in  the 
woods,  commenced  firing.  Soon  after  they  appeared  in  front,  half  a 
mile  to  the  south,  and  below  in  the  valley.  They  were  in  large  num- 
bers, and  formed  in  line,  near  an  open  space,  and  then  approached 
the  Federal  force  under  cover  of  a  wood  which  concealed  them  from 
view,  and  opened  fire.  At  this  moment  the  Kentucky  cavalry  (Colonel 
Garrard,)  came  up,  and  reinforced  the  Thirty-third.  The  enemy  charged, 
but  were  repulsed  under  a  galling  fire.  The  front  of  the  rebels  ap- 
proached within  a  few  rods  of  Colonel  Coburn,  with  their  caps  on  their 
bayonets,  saying  that  they  were  "  Union  men,"  and  were  "  all  right ;" 
and  having  thus  attempted  to  disarm  the  suspicion  of  the  loyal  troops, 
suddenly  poured  a  murderous  fire  upon  them.  After  an  hour  of  severe 
struggle,  the  enemy  were  compelled  to  retreat,  leaving  part  of  their 
dead  and  wounded  behind  them. 

At  about  the  close  of  this  attack,  another  detachment  of  the  forces 
under  General  Schoepf  came  upon  the  ground.  It  consisted  of  four 
companies  of  the  Seventeenth  Ohio.  Company  E,  Captain  Fox ;  com- 
pany C,  Captain  Haines ;  company  K,  Captain  Rea ;  and  company  H, 
Captain  Whisson,  all  of  whom,  under  Major  Ward,  promptly  formed  in 
line  ready  for  their  part  in  the  contest.  But  the  enemy  had  retreated 
only  to  return  with  an  increased  force.  At  about  two  o'clock,  p.  m.,  the 
attack  was  renewed,  and  at  the  same  time,  company  C,  Fourteenth 
Ohio,  Captain  J.  W.  Brown,  appeared  on  the  field.  The  position  was 
fiercely  contested,  the  Federal  troops  rendei-ing  the  most  gallant  and 
effective  service  in  the  face  of  the  largely  superior  force  brought  against 
them.  A  few  discharges  of  cannon,  three  pieces  of  which  were  in  use, 
aided  by  the  well-directed  infantry  fire,  resulted  in  the  total  rout  and 
dispersion  of  the  enemy,  who  again  retreated,  and  during  the  night 
were  finally  removed  by  General  Zollicoflfer.  Captain  Stannard's  Ohio 
battery  earned  for  itself  high  commendations  in  this  contest. 

The  Federal  loss  was  four  killed  and  twenty-one  wounded.  We  have 
no  record  of  Zollicoffer's  loss. 

While  the  battle  was  raging.  General  Schoepf,  who  had  just  arrived, 
and  had  tied  his  horse  to  a  tree  at  a  short  distance,  desired  a  soldier  to 
go  and  get  him.  The  man  hesitating,  the  General  went  himself,  arid 
just  as  he  was  unfastening  the  reins  he  was  greeted  with  a  storm  of 
bullets.     One  of  them  passed  through  his  boot-top,  and  several  strdck 


212  THX  WAB  FOB  THE   UNIOX. 

the  1  ree  to  which  the  horse  was  tied.  With  the  most  perfect  coolness 
4he  (Jeneral  mounted  his  horse,  and  rode  off  to  his  post,  as  leisurely  as 
if  he  were  an  unconcerned  spectator  of  the  scene. 

Zollicoffer  subsequently  had  large  reinforcements,  which  he  put  into 
a  condition. for  the  best  possible  service,  and  commenced  fortifying  the 
strong  positions  at  Cumberland  Gap. 


BATTLE   AT   EOMNEY,    VA. 

October  26,  1861. 

The  town  of  Romney  is  located  in  Hampshire  county,  Virginia,  on 
the  south  branch  of  the  Potomac,  one  liAuidied  and  ninety  miles  north- 
west from  Richmond.  It  had  been  the  theatre  of  previous  military 
adventures  between  the  loyal  troops  and  their  enemies,  who  were  on 
several  occasions  compelled  to  retire  from  the  place,  but  afterwards 
took  advantage  of  the  absence  of  the  Federal  forces  to  return.  Brigadier- 
General  B.  F.  Kelley,  who  commanded  a  portion  of  the  forces  in  the 
encounter  at  Phillipi,  where  he  was  wounded,  was  encamped  with  part 
of  his  command  at  New  Creek.  He  resolved  to  dislodge  the  rebels 
from  Romney,  and  ordered  his  forces  to  unite  in  a  march  on  the  town 
on  the  morning  of  the  26th  of  October.  The  Fourth  and  Eighth  Ohio, 
and  Seventh  Virginia,  were  in  the  brigade,  with  the  addition  of  the 
Ringgold  Cavalry. 

The  forces,  after  a  march  along  their  various  routes  of  from  twenty  to 
twenty-five  miles,  united,  and  about  half-past  two  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon, encountered  the  outposts  of  the  enemy  at  Mill  Creek,  five  miles 
from  Romney.  These  they  drove  in,  and  advanced  to  the  Indian  j\Iound 
Cemetery,  west  of  the  town,  where  the  rebels  made  a  stand,  and  opened 
fire  with  a  twelve-pound  rifled  gun,  placed  in  a  commanding  position  in 
the  cemetery,  and  with  a  mountain  howitzer  from  the  high  grounds  on 
the  east  bank  of  the  river,  at  a  point  which  commanded  the  road  for 
half  a  mile.  At  the  east  end  of  the  bridge  the  enemy  had  thrown  up 
intrenchments,  from  which  they  kept  up  a  constant  fire  of  musketry 
upon  the  head  of  the  column.  They  were  responded  to  by  a  twelve- 
pounder  and  two  six-pounders,  until  in  about  half  an  hour  the  General 
understood  the  position,  when  he  gave  the  command  to  charge  upon 
the  enemy's  entrenchments.  The  cavalry,  led  by  Captains  Keys  and 
McGhee,  dashed  across  the  river  at  the  ford,  with  enthusiastic  shouts, 
while  the  infantry,  under  the  command  of  Colonels  Mason  and  De  Puy, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Kelley,  and  Major  Swearingen,  rushed  over  the 
bridge  to  encounter  the  enemy  at  the  month  of  his  guns.  As  soon  as 
they  saw  this  movement,  they  immediately  abandoned  their  positions, 


BATTLE    OF    FRKDERICKTON.  213 

and  retreated  precipitately  through  the  town,  flying  in  the  direction  of 
Winchester. 

General  Kelley  captured  a  considerable  number  of  the  enemy,  among 
whom  was  Colonel  Angus  McDonald ;  two  hundred  horses,  three  wagon 
loads  of  new  rifles,  three  cannon,  a  large  quantity  of  corn,  wagons,  tenta, 
and,  in  fact,  everything  they  had. 

Colonel  Johns,  with  sevfen  hundred  men  of  the  Second  Potomac 
Home  Brigade,  under  orders  from  General  Kelley,  started  from  North 
Branch  bridge  early  in  the  morning,  passing  through  Frankfort,  having 
been  instructed  to  make  a  diversion  Avith  his  force  toward  Springfield 
to  withdraw  the  attention  of  a  portion  of  the  enemy  stationed  there 
from  General  Kelley's  movements.  When  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of 
Springfield  the  rear  of  his  column  was  fired  upon  by  the  rebels,  occa- 
sioning a  delay  of  nearly  an  hour.  The  march  was  then  renewed 
through  Springfield,  disclosing  evidences  of  the  retreat  of  the  enemy  on 
the  way.  On  arriving  at  the  bridge  crossing  the  south  branch  of  the 
Potomac,  they  were  discovered  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  when 
a  brisk  fire  was  commenced.  After  skirmishing  half  an  hour.  Colonel 
Johns  determined  to  cross  the  bridge,  but  found  that  a  portion  of  the 
planking  had  been  torn  up  and  removed.  The  enemy  at  the  same  time 
kept  up  a  sharp  fire,  killing  one,  and  wounding  six  of  his  men.  The 
passage  of  the  bridge  being  impracticable,  and  the  firing  having  ceased 
in  the  direction  of  Romney,  Colonel  Johns  inferred  that  General  Kelley 
was  in  possession  of  the  town.  His  own  purpose  having  been  accom- 
plished in  producing  a  diversion  of  the  rebel  forces,  and  the  necessity 
of  joining  Kelley  no  longer  existing,  he  withdrew  his  command  to  Old- 
town,  in  Maryland,  about  nine  p.  m.,  after  a  march  of  twenty-five  miles. 


BATTLE    OF   PKEDEEIOKTOIT,  MO. 

October  21,  1861. 

Brigadier-General  U.  S.  Grant  commanding  at  Cairo,  Illinois,  being 
informed  that  the  rebel  recruits  under  Colonel  Jeff".  Thompson  and 
Colonel  Lowe,  Avere  congregating  in  Madison  county,  Missouri,  ordered 
Colonel  J.  B.  Plummer,  of  the  Eleventh  Missouri  Volunteers,  to  proceed 
to  Frederickton.  Colonel  Plummer  was  in  command  at  Cape  Girar- 
deau, and  on  the  18th,  the  day  following  the  receipt  of  the  order,  he 
marched  with  about  fifteen  hundred  men,  composed  of  the  Seventeenth 
and  Twentieth  Illinois  Volunteers,  Colonels  Ross  and  Marsh,  the  Elev- 
enth Missouri,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Pennabaker,  Lieutenant  White's  section  of  Taylor's  battery,  and  Cap- 
tains Steward  and  Lansden's  companies  of  cavalry. 


214  THE    WAR   FOR  THE    UNIO^. 

On  arriving  at  Frederickton,  Colonel  Plummer  found  that  the  rebels 
had  evacuated  the  town  the  evening  before,  and  that  Colonel  Carlin, 
with  about  three  thousand  Federals  from  Pilot  Knob,  had  occupied  the 
place  a  few  hours  before  him.  The  enemy  had  retired  in  the  direction 
of  Greenville,  and  Colonel  Carlin  having  reinforced  Colonel  Plunmier 
with  the  Twenty-first  and  Thirty-third  Illinois  Volunteers,  under  Col- 
onels Alexander  and  IIo\'ey,  six  companies  of  the  First  Indiana  Cavalry, 
Colonel  Baker,  and  one  section  of  Major  Schofield's  battery,  under 
Lieutenant  Ilascock,  they  started  in  pursuit.  The  column,  thus  rein- 
forced, was  put  in  motion  at  about  one  o'clock,  p.  m.,  but  had  not  pro- 
ceeded more  than  three-quarters  of  a  mile  when  the  enemy  Avas  dis- 
covered a  short  distance  in  advance. 

Colonel  Koss,  whose  regiment  was  the  leading  one  of  the  colunan, 
immediately  deployed  it  to  tlie  left  into  a  lane,  and  threw  forward  two 
companies  as  skirmishers,  to  feel  the  enemy,  whose  exact  position  and 
strength  it  was  difficult  to  determine.  Colonel  Plummer  directed  Col- 
onel Ross  to  move  forward  his  regiment  into  the  cornfield  in  support 
of  his  skirmishers,  and  ordered  up  Lieutenant  White's  section  of  Taylor's 
battery,  which  immediately  opened  fire,  and  by  its  efilectiveness  soon 
caused  the  enemy  to  respond.  Their  artillery  consisted  of  four  pieces, 
masked,  upon  the  slope  of  a  hill  about  six  hundred  yards  distant.  The 
principal  body  of  their  infantry,  under  Colonel  Lowe,  was  .posted  in  the 
cornfield  to  the  left  of  the  road.  With  them  the  Seventeenth  Illinois 
was  soon  engaged.  The  other  regiments  of  the  column  were  deployed 
to  the  right  and  left  of  the  road  as  they  came  up.  Colonel  Plummer 
then  ordered  forward  the  Thirty-eighth  Illinois  from  the  town,  which 
promptly  came  upon  the  field  imder  one  of  its  field  officers,  leaving  there 
the  Eighth  Wisconsin,  under  Colonel  Murphy,  and  one  section  of  Major 
Schofield's  battery  in  reserve — a  post  of  honor,  though  one  disagreeable 
to  them,  as  all  were  eager  to  participate  in  the  engagement. 

As  soon  as  it  was  practicable.  Major  Schofield,  of  the  First  Missouri 
Volunteer  Light  Artillery,  brought  upon  the  field  two  sections  of  his 
battery  under  Captain  Matter  and  Lieutenant  Ilascock,  which  were 
placed  in  position,  and  did  efficient  service.  Major  Schofield  rendered 
valuable  aid  in  bringing  the  regiments  on  the  right  of  the  road  into  line 
of  battle,  and  in  directing  their  movements. 

In  the  mean  time  the  enemy  were  falling  back  before  the  steady  ad- 
vance and  deadly  fire  of  the  Seventeenth  and  Twentieth  Illinois,  and  a 
portion  of  the. Eleventh  Missouri.  Their  retreat  soon  became «  rout, 
and  they  fled  in  every  directio;n,  pursued  by  the  LTnion  troops. 

At  this  time  the  enemy's  infantry  on  the  right,  where  Thompson 
commanded  in  person,  being  in  retreat,  the  Indiana  Cavalry  charged 
and  pursued  them.    Tliompson,  however,  had  rallied  a  portion  of  his 


* 

CHARGE    OF   FREMONT's    BODY-GUARD    AT   SPRINGFIELD.  217 

troops,  about  half  a  mile  in  the  rear  of  his  first  position,  and  brought 
one  gun  into  battery  on  the  road,  supported  by  infantry  on  either 
Bide.  The  cavalry  charged  and  took  the  gun,  being  exposed  at  the 
same  time  to  a  deadly  fire  from  the  enemy's  infantry ;  but  as  the 
column  that  had  been  ordered  forward  to  their  support  did  not  reach 
the  point  in  time,  the  enemy  were  enabled  to  carry  the  piece  from  the 
field.     It  was  here  that  Major  Gavitt  and  Captain  Highman  fell. 

The  rout  now  became  general,  and  the  enemy  were  pursued  by  the 
Union  troops  several  miles,  until  the  approach  of  night  induced  Colonel 
Plummer  to  recall  them  to  town.  Captain  Stewart,  however,  with  his 
squadron  of  cavalry  followed  them  until  late  in  the  night,  and  brought 
in  several  prisoners. 

Jeflf.  Thompson  had  left  Frederickton  on  the  previous  evening,  march- 
ing ten  miles  on  the  Gi'eenville  road,  and  then  turning  to  meet  Colonel 
Plummer  at  a  point  where  he  had  intended  to  make  the  attack  in  the 
morning.  On  learning  that  the  national  troops  had  taken  a  difierent 
road,  he  led  his  force  back  to  the  point  near  Frederickton  where  the 
encounter  took  place.  The  rebel  force  was  about  two  thousand  five 
hundred.  Colonel  Lowe,  his  colleague,  was  killed,  and  one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  dead  were  left  on  the  field;  the  number  of  their 
wounded  is  not  definitely  known.  Four  of  their  guns  and  eighty 
prisoners  were  taken.  The  loss  of  the  Federal  army  was  seven  killed, 
and  sixty  wounded. 


OHAEGE  or  FEEMONT'S  BODT-GUAED  AT  SPEUfGITELD,  MO. 

October  25,  1861. 

Subsequent  to  the  death  of  General  Lyon,  Springfield  had  been  made 
a  rebel  stronghold,  and  General  Price,  when  the  advancing  army  of 
General  Fremont  compelled  him  to  retreat  from  the  central  part  of  the 
State,  had  established  his  headquarters  there.  During  the  month  of 
October,  however,  being  warned  by  approaching  columns  of  the  Federal 
troops,  he  had  commenced  the  withdrawal  of  his  forces  and  the  immense 
train  and  supplies  he  had  accumulated  in  case  he  should  be  compelled 
to  retreat  to  Arkansas. 

On  the  20th  of  October,  General  Sigel,  who  commanded  the  Federal 
advance,  was  near  Bolivar,  and  General  Sturgis'  command  was  one  day 
behind.  General  Lane  was  at  Osceola;  Hunter's  and  McKinstry's 
divisions,  as  well  as  General  Ashboth,  were  at  or  near  Warsaw ;  General 
Pope  was  near  Louisville ;  while  General  Fremont  and  his  staff(^ere  at 
Pomme  de  Terre  river,  en  route  for  Quincy. 

Having  obtained  information  frcim  his  scouts  that  only  about  three 


118  THE  WAB  FOB  THK  UinON. 

hundred  of  the  enemy  were  at  Springfield,  General  Fremont  dispatched 
Major  Zagonyi,  with  150  of  his  Body-guard,  and  also  an  equal  force  of 
Prairie  Scouts  imder  Major  F.  J.  White,  who  was  then  attached  to 
Sigel's  command,  to  combine  their  forces  before  reaching  Springfield, 
and  attack  the  rebel  camp  by  surprise. 

The  distance  from  the  camp  on  the  Pomme  de  Terre  river  to  Spring- 
fieh^  was  fifty-one  miles.  The  Body-guard  started  on  Thursday,  the 
24th,  at  8i  p.  M.,  and  reached  the  neighborhood  of  Springfield,  at  3 
p.  M.  on  the  25th,  having  overtaken  the  command  of  Major  White,  dis- 
patched from  the  camp  of  General  Sigel  to  take  part  in  this  enterprise. 
Major  White,  who  was  suffering  from  severe  illness,  was  obliged  to  stop 
for  an  hour  or  two  to  rest,  and  when  he  again  started  to  join  his  com- 
mand, expecting  to  find  them  in  the  direct  road  from  Bolivar  to  Spring- 
field, he  was  captured  by  the  rebel  scouts,  who^had  been  informed  of 
the  approach  of  the  Federal  cavalry.  Zagonyi  had  deemed  it  necessary 
to  change  his  plan  of  attack,  and  to  approach  the  rear  of  the  rebel  camp, 
of  which  fact  Major  W^hite  had  not  been  informed.  The  change  was 
occasioned  by  unexpectedly  meeting  a  small  body  of  the  enemy,  who 
thus  became  aware  of  the  designed  attack. 

Major  Zagonyi,  on  approaching  within  about  eight  miles  of  Spring- 
field, came  upon  a  small  foraging  party,  five  of  whom  he  captured,  and 
the  remainder  returned  to  the  city  and  gave  the  alarm.  Proceeding 
further  on,  the  Major  gained  additional  information  from  Union  citizens 
and  learned  that  the  place  was  held  by  a  force  at  least  five  or  six  times 
as  large  as  was  supposed.  Notwithstanding  this  he  resolved  to  press 
on  and  examine  for  himself,  but  the  fiuther  he  proceeded  the  more 
positive  was  the  information  that  the  town  was  held  by  a  large  force. 

The  first  that  was  seen  of  the  enemy  was  a  short  distance  from  the 
town,  where  the  advance  discovered  a  full  regiment  drawn  up  on  se- 
lected ground,  near  the  road,  and  prepared  to  receive  them.  The  ground 
being  unfavorable  for  ofiensive  operations.  Major  Zagonyi  resolved  not 
to  attack  them,  but  to  cross  the  prairie  to  the  westward  and  approach 
the  city  by  the  Mount  Vernon  road. 

This  was  successfully  accomplished,  and  upon  arriving  within  about 
a  mile,  the  citizens  notified  him  that  the  enemy,  two  thousand  strong, 
were  awaiting  his  coming  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant.  Major  Zagonjd 
was  entreated  not  to  risk  his  little  band  in  the  encounter ;  bikt  he  had 
not  made  a  forced  march  of  fifty  miles  to  gain  possession  of  a  town 
without  at  least  makhig  an  attempt  to  fulfil  his  instructions ;  and  placing 
the  Body-guard  in  front,  and  himself  leading,  he  gave  the  order  to 
advance 

As  the  Major  was  to  approach  from  the  west,  the  rebels  had  scat- 
tered skirmishers  throughout  the  dense  woods  or  chaparral  on  either 


CHARGE  0T>  Fremont's  body-guard.  219 

.ide,  who  greeted  his  approach  with  a  scathing  fire  which  emptied  sev- 
.era!  saddles.  The  woods  and  rough  bushy  ground  to  the  somh  of  the 
road,  was  ^Iso  full  of  their  skirmishers,  hidden  in  the  branches  and  behind 
bushes  and  t.-ees.  The  main  body  of  the  force,  however,  was  drawn  up 
m  the  form  of  a  hollow  square,  in  a  large  open  field  to  the  ilorth  of  the 
road  the  mfantry  bordering  along  a  high  Virginia  rail  fence,  nearly  to 
the  brook,  and  also  at  the  head  of  the  field  bordering  on  the  woods,  and 
the  cavalry  on  the  other  side  of  the  field  also  supported  by  the  forest 


DESPERATE  CHAEGE    OF   FREMONt's  BODY-GUARD. 


Upon  reachmg  the  vicinity  of  this  place,  Major  Zagonyi  ordered  an 
advance  at  a  trot,  and  when  fairly  in  the  woods,  the  pace  was  increased 
to  a  gallop.  When  the  fire  opened,  the  two  companies  of  the  First 
Missouri  Cavalry,  and  the  Irish  Dragoons,  composing  Major  White's 
battalion,  countermarched  to  the  left.  Major  Zagonyi's  command  alone 
proceeded  down  the  road  through  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  Upon  reach- 
ing the  open  field,  an  attempt  was  made  to  tear  down  the  fence  and 
charge  upon  the  enemy.  It  was  soon  discovered,  however,  that  this 
,  would  be  impossible  without  a  heavy  loss,  and  they  immediately  made 
a  rush  down  the  road,  over  a  brook,  where,  in  a  measure  shielded  from 
the  enemy's  fire,  they  levelled  the  rails  and  effected  an  entrance.     Ilei-. 


220  THE    WAR   FOE   THE    UNION. 

in  the  midst  of  the  briars  and  stubble  bordering  the  brook,  he  succeeded 
in  forming  his  men,  and  with  the  Major  at  their  head,  they  gallantly 
charged  up  the  hill  of  the  open  field,  right  into  the  midst  of  their  foes. 
As  they  charged,  the  command  spread  out  fan-like,  some  to  the  right, 
some  to  the  left,  and  others  straight  up  to  the  woods  in  front. 

The  cavalry  to  the  right  were  scattered  almost  instantaneously ;  the 
infantry  made' a  somewhat  firmer  stand,  but  it  was  only  for  a  moment. 
The  charge  was  so  furious,  so  well  directed,  and  so  compact,  that  the 
rebel  ranks  were  quickly  scattered.  Under  the  well-directed  fire  of  the 
enemy's  sharpshooters,  the  little  band  of  one  hundred  and  sixty-two 
rank  and  file,  contending  against  one  thousand  eight  hundred,  necessa- 
rily suffered  severely. 

Pursuing  a  portion  of  the  rebels  into  town,  the  Major  here  assembled 
his  command,  or  such  portions  of  it  as  were  at  hand,  raised  the  stars 
and  stripes  upon  the  court-house,  detailed  a  guard  to  attend  to  his 
wounded,  and  then  fearful  that  the  enemy  might  become  cognizant  of 
his  small  force,  and  rally,  deterrainedtto  retrace  his  steps  toward  Boli- 
var, where  he  could  meet  reinforcements,  the  more  especially  as  they 
had  ridden  over  eighty  miles  and  been  over  twenty-four  hours  without 
food. 

In  the  mean  time  Major  White's  command  had  made  a  detour  through 
the  cornfield,  and  after  making  a  successful  charge  and  defeating  the 
rebel  forces  stationed  there,  he  reached  the  town  a  little  while  after 
Zagonyi  had  left,  and  took  possession  of  it. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy,  as  nearly  as  could  be  ascertained,  was  one  hun- 
dred and  six  killed,  wounded  not  known ;  that  of  the  Federals  but  fifteen 
killed,  twenty-seven  wounded  and  ten  missing. 


THE   DEPAETMENT    OF    MISSOURI. 

The  death  of  General  Lyon  and  the  defeat  of  the  Federal  army  at 
Wilson's  Creek,  on  the  10th  of  August,  and  the  disastrous  consequences — 
followed  on  the  20th  of  September  by  the  loss  of  Lexington  and  its 
noble  band  of  defenders,  filled  the  whole  land  with  discontent.  The 
commanding  ofticer  of  the  Department  at  this  time  was  Major-General 
Fremont.  The  public,  asking  for  success,  and  confident  that  it  could  be 
achieved,  were  impatient  of  the  delays  and  heavy  expenditure  of  money 
that  seemed  at  least  to  fetter  the  Missouri  Department.  From  General 
Fremont  the  public  had  expected  the  most  vigorous  and  brilliant  cam- 
paign. The  difliculties  and  obstacles  with  which  a  commander  must 
contend  in  organizing  a  military  force  sufticient  to  encounter  a  large 
army  of  dashing  and  lawless  insurgents,  are  not  always  properly  under- 


SECTION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  EIVEE. 

SHOWISO     THE     DISTANCES     FHOM     XFW     ORLKANS. 


222  THE    WAR   FOU   THE    UNION. 

stood  and  considered  by  the  public ;  and  their  expectations,  no  doubt, 
led  far  in  advance  of  the  possibilities  of  the  situation.  Occupying  a  field 
which  had  just  been  made  the  scene  of  open  hostilities,  and  where  the 
Governor  and  the  Legislature,  as  a  body,  Avere  hostile  to  the  General 
Government,  the  entire  work  was  to  be  done  after  General  Fremont 
had  entered  upon  it.  The  diHicuIty  of  supplying  reinforcements  where 
needed,  with  no  reserves  upon  which  he  could  draw,  left  no  alternative  to 
Lyon  and  Mulligan  but  that  of  retreat  or  collision  with  an  overpowering 
enemy.  In  these  reverses  they  sufiered  a  cruel  defeat,  but  won  imper- 
ishable fame. 

The  loss  of  General  Lyon,  and  the  reverses  to  the  national  army, 
afforded  cause  for  great  exultation  to  the  sece«sionists  of  St.  Louis  and 
its  vicinity,  and  their  demonstrations  of  hostility  became  so  marked  that 
General  Fremont,  on  the  14th  of  August,  was  compelled  to  resort  to 
the  extreme  measure  of  declaring  nuirtiul  law  in  that  city.  This  had 
the  effect  of  restraining  the  rebel  sympathizers  in  immediate  proximity 
with  the  headquarters  of  the  Commander,  but  was  not  regarded  in  the 
State  at  large.  Under  these  circumstances  General  Fremont  followed 
this  proclamation  with  another  on  the  30th  of  August,  establishing  mar- 
tial law  in  the  State,  and  fixing  the  lines  of  the  army  of  occupation  as 
extending  from  Leavenworth  by  way  of  the  posts  of  Jefferson  City, 
Rolla  and  Ironton,  to  Cape  Girardeau,  on  the  Mississippi  river.  All 
persons  taken  with  arms  in  their  hands  were  to  be  tried  by  courts-mar- 
tial, and  if  found  gUilty,  shot.  The  property  of  persons  taking  up  arms 
against  the  United  States  was  declared  confiscated  to  public  use,  "  and 
their  slaves,  if  any  they  have,  are  hereby  declared  free  men." 
-  This  proclamation  produced  a  profound  excitement  throughout  the 
country,  and  was  received  by  the  people  with  varied  emotions — enthu- 
siastically applauded  by  some,  and  bitterly  condemned  by  others. 

The  President,  on  the  2d  of  September,  addressed  a  letter  to  General 
Fremont,  recommending  him  to  modify  his  proclamation.  General 
Fremont  desired  the  President  to  make  an  order  for  the  modifica- 
tion in  his  own  name,  a  request  with  which  the  Chief  Magistrate  com- 
plied, and  under  date  of  September  11th,  communicated  to  General 
Fremont,  that  the  proclamation  in  qvfestion  should  be  made  to  conform 
to  the  act  of  Congress  of  August  6th,  which  confiscated  only  property 
used  in  rebellion ;  and  referred  the  question  regarding  slaves  to  the 
determination  of  the  courts,  or  to  subsequent  legislation. 

While  in^t.  Louis,  General  Fremont  was  actively  engaged  in  the 
organization  of  his  forces,  and  making  preparations  for  his  approaching 
campaign.  To  protect  the  city  he  had  extensive  fortifications  constructed. 
lie  also  projected  and  ordered  the  building  of  the  gunboats,  which 
have  since  rendered  such  signal  service.    The  necessity  of  massing  a 


THE   DEPARTiTENT   OP   MISSOURI.  223 

large  army  near  "Washington,  after  the  defeat  at  Bull  Run,  compelled 
the  Avithdrawal  of  many  regiments  which  had  been  assigned  to  the 
Missouri  Department.  It  was  not  until  the  27th  of  September  that 
Fremont  was  prepared  to  enter  upon  an  offensive  campaign.  Accord- 
ingly on  that  day  he  left  St.  Louis,  and  with  fifteen  steamers  and  fifteen 
thousand  men,  sailed  up  the  Missouri  to  Jefferson  City.  Here  he  halted 
several  days  to  collect  additiortal  material  necessary  for  his  march  into 
the  interior.  * 

On  the  29th,  two  days  after  General  Fremont's  departure  from  St. 
Louis,  General  Price  commenced  the  evacuation  of  Lexington,  leaving 
a  small  force  as  a  guard.  On  the  1th  of  October,  General  Fremont  let\ 
Jefferson  City,  marching  in  the  direction  of  Sedalia,  for  the  purpose  of 
attacking  the  rebel  commander  at  the  earliest  opportunity. 

On  the  16th,  two  hundred  and  twenty  men  of  the  First  Missouri 
Scouts,  under  Major  F.  J.  White,  surprised  the  rebel  garrison  at  Lex- 
ington, and  recaptured  the  place,  with  the  Federal  sick  and  wounded 
there,  together  with  two  pieces  of  cannon,  a  quantity  of  guns,  pistols 
and  other  articles  which  the  rebels  threw  away  in  their  flight.  The 
garrison  numbered  three  hundred  men.  The  victorious  troops  found 
the  inhabitants  in  a  deplorable  condition.  Some  portions  of  the  town 
had  been  plundered  of  everything  that  could  be  appropriated,  and  many 
persons  were  suffering  for  the  necessaries  of  life.  It  was  a  painful 
scene,  and  formed  one  of  those  early  pictures  of  the  war  which  have 
since  been  multiplied  so  fearfully  in  the  border  States. 

On  the  1st  of  November,  General  Fremont,  then  at  Springfield,  en- 
tered into  an  arrangement  with  General  Price,  to  facilitate  the  exchange 
of  prisoners,  agreeing  to  release  any  who  had  been  made  prisoners  "for 
the  mere  expression  of  political  opinions ; "  and  providing  also  that 
*'  the  Avar  in  future  be  confined  exclusively  to  the  armies  in  the  field." 
Armed  bodies,  unauthorized  by  the  commanders,  were  to  be  disbanded, 
and  persons  guilty  of  violence  and  lawless  acts  were  to  be  subject  to 
trial  by  courts-martial.  This  agreement  was  signed  by  Major  Henry 
"W.  Williams  and  D.  Robert  Barclay,  Esq.,  for  General  Price,  and  J. 
H.  Eaton,  Assistant- Adjutant-General,  for  General  Fremont.  A  pro- 
clamation,, announcing  this  negotiation,  was  accordingly  published  on 
the  first  of  November. 

The  next  day.  General  Fremont  received  from  the  Department  at 
Washington,  an  order  relieving  him  from  his  command.  General  David 
Hunter  was  appointed  to  the  Department  of  Missouri,  temporarily  as 
his  successor.  General  Fremont  returned  to  St.  Louis,  and  soon  after- 
wards  reached  New  York  city,  where  he  awaited  the  orders  of  the 
Government. 

The  Federal  army  was  now  withdrawn  from  the  south-western  per- 


224  THE   WAS   FOR   THE   UNION. 

tion  of  the  State,  and  the  whole  of  that  vast  field  was  reoccupied  by 
the  insurgent  forces,  and  thousands  of  recruits  were  gathered  into  their 
ranks. 

On  the  4th  of  November,  the  antagonist  forces  were  commanded  as 
follows  : — General  Hunter,  5,000  ;  General  Sigel,  4,000  ;  General  Ash- 
both,  4,500  ;  General  McKinstry,  5,600  ;  General  Pope,  4,000  ;  General 
Lane,  2,500  ;  General  Sturgis,  1,000.  The  rebels  under  General  Price 
numbered  15,000  ;  under  General  McCuUoch,  7,000. 

The  disloyal  members  of  the  Legislature  held  a  session  at  Neosho, 
Newton  county,  in  the  extreme  south-western  portion  of  the  State,  and 
on  the  19th  of  November  passed  an  ordinance  of  secession,  and  sent 
their  Commissioners  to  the  Confederate  Congress  at  Richmond.  IMia- 
souri,  as  represented  by  them,  was  admitted  to  the  Confederacy  on  the 
27th  of  November. 

On  the  30th  of  November,  General  Price,  then  at  Neosho,  issued  a 
proclamation  to  the  people  of  Missouri,  calling  upon  them  in  the  most 
earnest  manner  for  recruits  to  the  rebel  army.  He  called  for  fifty  thou- 
sand men,  who  might  rendezvous  at  headquarters  with  anything  in  the 
shape  of  arms  that  they  could  find ;  and  if  unarmed,  to  enroll  themselves, 
and  they  would  be  supplied.  He  represented  the  hopelessness  of  the 
cause,  and  the  certain  defeat  of  the  rebel  army  unless  immediately  rein- 
forced. His  appeals  had  some  effect  in  promoting  sedition,  and  in 
securing  enlistments,  but  they  fell  far  short  of  the  number  he  demanded. 

On  the  1st  of  December,  Gen.  Price  was  at  Osceola,  with  18,000  men. 

On  the  6th  of  December,  Independence  was  entered  by  a  band  of 
rebels,  who  seized  several  citizens  and  compelled  them  to  take  an  oath 
not  to  bear  arms  against  the  Southern  Confederacy. 

On  the  13  th  of  the  same  month,  Governor  Jackson,  at  New  Madrid, 
issued  a  proclamation  to  the  insurgent  army,  in  which  he  attempted  a 
defence  of  the  rebellion,  and  asserted  that  the  people  of  Missouri  were 
in  favor  of  secession.  Unfortunately  for  the  veracity  or  the  knowledge 
of  Governor  Jackson,  wherever  the  people  of  the  State  were  delivered 
from  the  terrorism  of  the  rebels  and  marauders,  they  adhered  to  the 
Union,  as  was  verified  by  the  fact,  that  up  to  the  20th  of  January, 
1862,  no  less  than  33,882  Missourians  had  entered  the  Federal  service 
for  three  years,  and  6,000  had  volunteered  for  three  months. 

Major-General  Henry  W.  Halleck  was  now  in  command  of  the  De- 
partment. He  was  compelled  to  adopt  rigorous  measures  in  some  cases 
in  consequence  of  the  pertinacious  conduct  of  the  secessionists.  A  me- 
morable event  of  the  month  of  January  was  the  annual  election  for 
officers  of  the  Mercantile  Library  Association,  in  which  loyalty  and 
secession  were  antagonistic  elements.  General  Halleck  officially  an- 
nounced that  each  officer  of  the  Association  would  be  expected  to  take 


r 


THE   STONE   FLEET.  225 

the  oat-h  of  allegiance  within  ten  days  from  the  date  of  his  order,  and 
in  default  there(5f  the  officers  failing  should  be  deemed  to  have  resigned 
their  offices.  Any  officer  refusing  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance,  who 
should  exercise  or  attempt  to  exercise  the  functions  of  his  office,  should 
be  arrested  and  dealt  with  under  the  laws  of  war. 

He  also  ordered  that  all  carriages  bearing  the  enemy's  flag  should  be 
seized  and  confiscated ;  and  that  women  resorting  to  the  neighborhood 
of  the  military  prison  and  insulting  the  Federal  troops,  or  communi- 
cating with  prisoners  by  exhibiting  and  waving  secession  flags,  should 
be  imprisoned.  Disloyal  persons  who,  imder  the  military  rules,  were 
liable  to  assessment  for  the  support  of  loyal  fugitives  from  their  homes, 
should  be  compelled  to  pay  their  assessment.  All  persons  of  every 
rank  or  position,  violating  the  laws,  or  interfering  with  their  execution, 
should  be  dealt  with  under  strict  penalties. 

This  energetic  administration  had  the  desired  efiect ;  and  the  violent 
minority  who  were  detei*mined,  at  every  hazard,  to  plunge  the  State 
into  war,  were  restrained,  and  order  and  peace  assured  and  restored. 


THE   STONE   PLEET. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  activity  and  watchfulness  of  the  blockading 
vessels  ofi"  the  Southern  coast,  many  instances  were  exultingly  heralded 
by  the  Southern  press,  as  well  as  in  Europe,  of  the  successful  running  of 
the  blockade  by  vessels  bound  both  outward  and  inward.  The  logic 
of  these  occurrences  was  very  simple  on  the  part  of  the  secessionists 
and  their  sympathizers.  The  frequent  evasion  of  the  blockade  proved 
that  it  was  "  inefficient "  on  the  part  of  the  Federal  government,  and 
therefore  not  only  to  be  disregarc[ed,  but  officially  declared  by  foreign 
governments  to  be  incomplete,  and  practically  null  and  void.  This 
declaration  was  expected  to  be  sufficient  to  warrant  the  free  movements 
of  commerce,  and  any  attempt  to  interfere  on  the  part  of  the  United 
States  would  be  a  challenge  for  the  intervention  of  England  and 
France. 

The  repeated  instances  of  vessels  escaping  rendered  it  an  imperative 
necessity  for  the  government  to  adopt  some  measure  that  would,  if 
possible,  prevent  their  recurrence  at  the  principal  ports  of  th(5  South. 
For  this  purpose  it  was  determined  to  close  several  of  the  harbors  by 
placing  obstructions  in  the  channels.  Most  of  the  harbors  of  the  South- 
ern coast,  in  consequence  of  the  deltas,  and  numerous  islands  at  their 
entrances,  have  several  channels,  through  which  vessels  of  light  draft 
may  pass,  while  those  of  the  heaviest  draft  are  confined  to  one  principal 
channel.  This  is  the  case  in  the  approach  to  both  Charleston  arid 
16 


226  THE   WAB   FOB  THE   UNIOX. 

Savannah.  The  obstructing  of  these  two  principal  channels  was  there- 
fore assigned  for  the  month  of  December.  • 

For  this  purpose  a  number  of  old  whaling  vessels  were  purchased  at 
New  Bedford  and  New  London,  freighted  with  granite  from  the  Bay 
State,  and  taken  to  Port  Royal  as  a  rendezvous,  whence  they  were  to 
be  convoyed  to  their  destination.  The  people  of  Savannah,  after  the 
capture  of  Port  Royal  and  Beaufort,  anticipating  the  approach  of  the 
Federal  fleet,  volunteered  the  work  on  their  own  behalf  and  blockaded 
their  own  port  by  similar  means.  The  fleet  was  therefore  at  liberty  to 
repair  to  Charleston,  and  within  sight  of  the  walls  of  Sumter,  to^hut 
out  the  rebellious  people  of  that  city  from  the  ocean. 

The  "Stone  Fleet"  sailed  from  Port  Royal  on  the  18th  of  Decem- 
ber, accompanied  by  the  steamers  Cahawba,  Philadelphia  and  Ericsson, 
to  tow  and  assist,  the  Avhole  convoyed  by  the  Mohican,  Captain  Gordon, 
the  Ottawa,  Captain  Stevens,  and  Pocahontas,  Captain  Balch. 

The  fleet  arrived  off  Charleston  harbor  the  next  day  and  preparations 
were  made  for  sinking  them  in  their  places.  Each  of  the  weather- 
beaten  and  storm-tossed  old  vessels  that  had  so  long  borne  the  stars 
and  stripes  in  every  latitude,  were  now  to  make  a  stubborn  protest 
against  treason  by  keeping  watch  at  the  very  door  of  its  birth-place. 
They  were  furnished  with  ingenious  contrivances  and  plugs,  the  with- 
drawal of  which  would  allow  the  water  to  flow  in  and  sink  them  on  the 
floor  of  the  channel. 

The  sinking  of  the  fleet  was  intrusted  to  Captain  Charles  II.  Davis, 
formerly  on  the  Coast  Survey,  and  ever  since  more  or  less  intimately 
connected  with  it.  It  is  remarkable  that  when,  in  1851,  an  apjjropria- 
tion  was  made  by  the  Federal  Government  for  the  improvement  of 
Charleston  harbor,  find,  at  the  request  of  South  Carolina,  a  commission 
of  army  and  navy  officers  was  appointed  to  superintend  the  work.  Cap- 
tain Davis  was  one  of  the  commission,  and  for  three  or  four  years  was 
engaged  in  these  operations.  The  present  attempt  was  of  somewhat 
different  character.  The  entrance  by  the  main  ship  channel  runs  from 
the  bar  to  Fort  Sumter,  six  miles,  nearly  south  and  north.  The  city  is 
three,  miles  beyond,  bearing  about  n.  w.  The  other  channels  are  San- 
ford'8,iBwash,  the  North,  and  Maffit's,  or  Sullivan's  Island,  which  need 
not  to  be  particularly  described.  Only  the  latter  is  practicable  for  ves- 
sels of  any  draught,  but  all  serve  more  or  less  to  empty  the  waters  dis- 
charged by  the  Ashley  and  Cooper  rivers.  Over  the  bar,  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  main  ship  channel,  is  a  narrow  passage,  through  which 
vessels  may  carry  eleven  feet  at  low  water ;  about  seventeen  at  high 
water.  The  plan  of  Captain  Davis  for  closing  the  harbor  proceeded  on 
the  following  principles : 

The  obstructions  were  to  be  placed  on  both  sides  of  the  crest  of  tb^ 


THE   STONE   FLEET.  227 

bar,  so  that  the  same  forces  which  created  the  bar  might  be  relied  on  to 
keep  them  in  their  places. 

The  bar  was  not  to  be  obstructed  entirely ;  for  natural  forces  would 
soon  open  a  new  passage,  since  the  rivers  must  discharge  themselves  by 
some  outlet ;  but  to  be  only  partially  obstructed,  so  that,  while  this 
channel  was  ruined,  no  old  one,  like  Swash  or  Sanford,  should  be  im- 
proved, or  a  new  one  formed. 

The  vessels  were  so  placed  that  on  the  channel  course  it  would  be 
difficult  to  draw  a  line  through  any  part  of  it  that  would  not  be  inter- 
cepted by  one  of  them.  A  ship,  therefore,  endeavoring  to  make  her 
way  out  or  in  could  not,  by  taking  the  bearings  of  any  point  of  depar- 
•  ture,  as  she  could  not  sail  on  any  straight  line. 

The  vessels  were  placed  checkerwise,  at  some  distance  from  eact 
other,  so  as  to  create  an  artificial  unevenness  of  the  bottom,  remotely 
resembling  Hell  Gate  and  Holmes's  Hole,  which  unevenness  would  give 
rise  to  eddies,  counter-currents  and  whirlpools,  adding  so  seriously  to 
the  difficulties  of  navigation  that  it  could  only  be  practicable  by  steam-' 
ers,  or  with  a  very  commanding  breeze. 

The  execution  of  this  plan  wIb  begun  by  buoying  out  the  channel  and 
circumscribing  within  four  points  the  space  where  the  vessels  were  all 
to  be  sunk,  as  follows : 

* 

S.  W.    *  THE   BAR.    *   N.  E. 
« 

The  distance  between  the  points  from  s.  w.  to  n.  e.  is  about  an 
eighth  of  a  mile ;  the  breadth  perhaps  half  as  much.  It  was  no  part  of 
the  plan  to  build  a  wall  of  ships  across,  but  to  drop  them  at  a  little  dis- 
tance from  each  other,  on  the  principles  above  stated,  closing  the  chan- 
nel to  navigation,  but  leaving  it  open  to  the  water. 

"Work  was  resumed  on  Friday  morning,  the  20th,  the  Ottawa  and 
Pocahontas  bringing  the  ships  to  their  stations.  The  placing  of  them 
was  an  operation  of  considerable  nicety,  especially  as  some  of  the  vessels 
were  so  deep  as  to  be  with  difficulty  dragged  on  the  bar,  except  at  high 
water.  A  graver  hindrance  to  their  exact  location  was  found  in  the 
imperfection  of  the  arrang^ement  for  sinking,  several  of  the  ships  re- 
maining afloat  so  long  after  the  plug  was  knocked  out,  that  they  SAVung 
out  of  position.  They  were,  nevertheless,  finally  placed  very  nearly 
according  to  the  plan.  Great  credit  was  earned  by  Mr.  Bradbury  and 
Mr.  Godfrey  for  the  successful  execution  of  so  difficult  an  undertaking. 
The  last  ship,  the  Archer,  closed  the  only  remaining  gap,  and  the  mao* 
ner  in  which  INIr.  Bradbury  took  her  in  with  the  Pocahontas  and  then 
extricated  the  latter  from  her  perilous  position,  filled  the  fleet  with  ad- 
miration for  his  skillful  seamanship  and  cool  daring.    By  half  past  ten 


228  THX  WAB  FOB  THE  XTSflOHf. 

the  last,  plug  was  drawn,  and  every  ship  of  the  sixteen  was  eitler  sunk 
or  sinking. 

One  of  the  vessels,  the  Robin  Hood,  with  upright  masts,  stood  erect, 
in  water  too  shallow  to  submerge  her.  As  evening  drew  near  she  was 
set  on  fire,  and  in  a  little  time  the  evening  sky  was  lighted  up  witli  the 
pyrotechnic  display,  while  the  inhabitants  of  Charleston,  the  garrison  oTf 
Fort  Moultrie,  and  the  surroundings,  were  compelled  to  look  on  and  see  the 
temporary  completion  of  the  blockade  they  had  so  long  derided  and  defied. 

This  event  provoked  loud  and  vindictive  complaints  and  assaults  in 
France  and  England,  and  the  measure  was  denounced  as  an  outrage  on 
civilization,  and  a  sufiicient  warrant  for  interference  in  the  war.  But 
an  examination  of  the  historical  precedents  afforded  by  British  practice 
closed  the  mouths  of  the  declaimers  in  Parliament  as  well  as  through 
the  press,  and  once  more  American  practice  was  permitted  to  pass,  jus- 
tified by  the  verdict  of  opinion  as  well  as  of  illustrious  example. 


BATTLE  OP  CAMP  ALLEG]^NT,  W.  VIEGIlfLA 

December  13,  1861. 

On  Thursday  morning,  December  12th,  Brigadier-General  R.  IT.  Mil- 
roy  started  from  his  headquarters  on  Cheat  Mountain  Summit,  with 
fifteen  hundred  men,  with  the  design  of  attacking  a  rebel  camp  on  the 
Alleghany  mountains,  twenty-five  miles  distant.  The  column  started  at 
eight  o'clock,  and  after  a  fatiguing  day's  march  arrived,  at  eight  r.  M., 
at  the  old  Camp  Bartow,  on  the  Greenbrier  river,  the  scene  of  General 
Reynolds'  rencontre  on  the  3d  of  October  previous.  Here  the  troops 
rested  until  eleven  p.  m.,  when  the  General  divided  his  force  into  two 
columns,  with  the  intention  of  reaching  the  enemy's  camp  on  the  sum- 
mit of  the  mountain,  about  eight  and  a  half  miles  distant,  from  two  op- 
posite points,  at  four  o'clock,  a.  m.,  of  the  13th. 

The  first  division,  consisting  of  detachments  from  the  Ninth  Indiana, 
Colonel  Moody,  and  Second  Virginia,  Major  Owens,  about  one  thousand 
strong,  took  up  its  march  on  the  old  Greenbank  road  to  attack  the 
enemy  on  the  left. 

The  second  division  consisted  of  detachments  from  the  Thirteenth  In- 
diana, Twenty-fifth  and  Thirty-second  Oliio,  and  Bracken  Cavalry,  under 
Major  Dobbs,  Colonel  J.  A.  Jones,  Captain  Hamilton  and  Captain 
Bracken.  Brigadier-General  Reynolds  and  his  stafi"  conducted  this 
division,  numerically  about  the  same  as  the  nrst  division.  This  column 
took  the  Staunton  pike,  and  marched  cautiously  until  they  came  in  sight 
of  the  enemy's  camp,  where,  after  throwing  out  more  skirmishers,  the 
division  left  the  road  and  oommonced  to  ascend  the  mountain  to  the 


BATTLE    OF    CAMP    ALLKGUANY.  229 

enemy's  right.  After  driving  in  some  of  the  hostile  pickets  they  reached 
the  summit  in  good  order.  The  enemy  were  fully  prepared  to  receive 
them.  The  fight  on  the  enemy's  right  commenced  about  twenty  min- 
utes after  daylight. 

Lieutenant  McDonald,  of  General  Reynolds'  staff,  with  one  company 
of  the  Thirteenth  Indiana,  formed  the  line  of  battle,  placing  the  Twenty- 
fifth  Ohio  on  his  left,  part  of  the  Thirteenth  Indiana  on  their  4eft,  and 
part  of  the  Thirty-second  Ohio  on  their  left.  The  enemy  immediately 
advanced  to  attack  the  Federal  troops,  but  after  a  few  rounds  retreated 
in  great  confusion,  leaving  their  dead  and  wounded.  Colonel  Moody'a 
division  not  appearing  to  attack  the  enemy  on  the  left,  the  rebels  seeing 
the  inferior  force  opposed  to  them,  were  again  encouraged  to  advance 
toward  their  assailants,  which  they  did  with  a  far  superior  force,  pour- 
ing in  their  fire  with  vigor.  Some  of  the  Federals  now  commenced 
falling  to  the  rear,  all  along  the  line ;  but  Captains  Charlesworth  and 
Crowe,  of  the  Twenty-fifth  Ohio,  Lieutenant  McDonald,  Captains  Myers 
and  Newland,  of  the  Thirteenth  Indiana,  and  Hamilton,  of  the  Thirty- 
second  Ohio,  rallied  them,  and  brought  them  into  line  in  a  few  moments. 
The  enemy  again  fell  back  and  attempted  to  turn  their  right  flank,  but 
was  immediately  met  and  repulsed.  The  fortunes  of  the  day  appeared 
to  alternate  between  tbe  respective  armies  for  three  hours,  the  Federals 
holding  out  bravely  against  the  superior  numbers  of  the  enemy,  who 
were  enabled  to  concentrate  their  entire  army  of  two  thousand  men  and 
four  or  five  pieces  of  artillery  against  this  comparatively  small  force. 

Colonel  Moody's  force  not  having  then  been  heard  from,  Colonel 
Jones,  who  had  charge  of  the  division  now  in  action,  after  exhausting 
his  ammunition,  withdrew  his  men  from  the  field. 

Almost  at  this  juncture.  Colonel  Moody's  command,  which  had  been 
detained  by  obstructions  placed  in  the  road  over  which  they  were  com- 
pelled to  pass,  arrived,  and  attacked  the  enemy  vigorously  on  his  left, 
and  in  turn  maintained  an  obstinate  contest,  unaided,  against  the  entire 
rebel  command,  which  they  did  with  much  courage  and  skill,  until  three 
o'clock,  p.  M.,  when  they  too  were  compelled  to  retire  before  the  superior 
force  of  their  opponents. 

Though  thwarted  in  his  plan  of  attack  by  the  unexpected  obstructions 
which  Colonel  Moody's  division  had  to  encounter,  General  Milroy  was 
far  from  being  disconcerted  by  the  result.  The  men  had  evinced  a  high 
order  of  courage,  and  the  divisions  had  alternately  maintained  an  obsti- 
nate fight  against  an  army  of  nearly  three  times  their  number. 

The  official  report  of  the  casualties  on  the  Federal  side  gives  the 
number  of  killed,  twenty ;  wounded,  one  hundred  and  seven ;  missing, 
ten.  The  rebel  loss  is  acknowledged  by  the  Richmond  Enquirer  to  have 
been  about  the  same. 


280  THB  WAR  FOB  THB  XTNIOW. 

BATTLE  AT  MUNFOILDSVILLi;  KT. 
Dkcxhbxk  17,  1861. 

Colonel  Willich,  with  the  Thirty-second  Indiana,  a  regiment  composed 
of  Germans,  occupying  an  advance  post  of  General  McCook's  division 
of  the  Federal  army  in  Kentucky,  was  attacked  on  the  17th  of  Decem- 
ber, by  three  regiments  of  Arkansas  infantry,  Colonel  Terry's  Texan 
Rangers,  and  Major  Phifer's  cavalry,  and  also  an  artillery  company,  with 
four  pieces,  the  whole  under  the  command  of  General  T.  C.  Ilindman. 

Colonel  WilUch's  regiment  was  guarding  a  new  bridge  built  by  the 
Federal  troops  over  Green  river,  at  Rowlett's  Station,  on  the  Louisville 
and  Nashville  railroad,  a  temporary  substitute  for  the  handsome  iron 
structure  which  had  been  destroyed  by  the  rebels,  in  front  of  Mum- 
fordsville.  A  picket  guard  of  two  companies  had  been  thrown  across 
the  river  on  the  south  side,  occupying  a  wide  area  of  cleared  ground, 
which  was  skirted  by  forests,  from  whence  the  rebels  attempted  to  sur- 
prise and  capture  them. 

The  second  company,  Captain  Glass,  was  acting  in  detached  squads 
as  pickets  in  the  woods  on  the  right  flank,  and  were  attacked  in  detail  by 
the  enemy's  skirmishers.  The  pickets  made  a  gallant  defence,  and  fell 
back  slowly  and  in  good  order  on  their  supports.  The  alarm  in  the 
mean  time  having  been  given  to  the  other  companies  on  the  north  side 
of  the  river,  they  started  in  "  double-quick  "  over  the  bridge,  crossed 
the  hill  on  the  opposite  side,  and  ruslied  with  fierce  haste  into  the  woods 
whence  the  firing  proceeded,  led  on  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Treba,  Col- 
onel Willich  at  the  time  being  necessarily  at  headquarters.  A  portion 
of  the  third  company,  under  Lieutenant  Sachs,  occupied  a  covered  posi- 
tion on  the  left  flank,  where  they  were  now  attacked  by  the  advancing 
enemy.  Unable  to  restrain  the  ardor  of  his  men,  the  Lieutenant  boldly 
left  his  sheltered  position  and  attacked  the  rebels  in  the  open  field ;  but 
fierce  as  his  onset  was,  the  disparity  of  numbers  proved  too  greatly 
against  him,  and  his  little  band  would  have  inevitably  been  cut  to  pieces 
but  for  the  timely  arrival  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Treba,  with  the  main 
body  of  the  regiment.  lie  sent  the  sixth,  seventh  and  tenth  companies 
to  support  the  second  company  on  the  right,  and  the  first,  fifth,  eighth 
and  ninth  companies  to  support  the  third  company  on  the  left  flank.  At 
the  very  first  rush  of  the  skirmishers,  the  enemy  were  thrown  into  con- 
fusion, and  driven  back  at  all  points. 

Then  the  most  severe  and  bloody  part  of  the  battle  commenced. 
With  terrible  ferocity  Colonel  Terry's  regiment  of  Texas  Rangers 
poured  in  black  masses  of  cavalry  upon  the  Union  skirmishers  along 
the  whole  line.    They  rode  up  within  fifteen  or  twenty  yards,  some  eveo 


9      BATTLE   AT   MUNT0ED8VILLE.  231 

in  the  very  midst  of  the  men,  and  commenced  a  terrible  fire  from  their 
carbines  and  revolvers.  At  their  first  onset,  it  seemed  as  if  every  one 
of  the  men  would  be  destroyed.  But  here  it  was  that  the  veteran 
coolness  and  bravery  of  the  Union  troops  shone  forth.  They  allowed 
the  enemy  to  come  almost  as  near  as  he  chose,  and  then  poured  a  deadly 
fire  upon  him,  which  shook  the  entire  line.  Upon  the  right  flank  of  the 
third  company's  position,  by  order  of  Adjutant  Schmidt,  the  eighth 
company  was  led  forth  by  Lieutenants  Kappel  and  Levy ;  upon  the  left, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Treba  advanced  with  the  ninth  company ;  both 
attacked  the  enemy  in  close  skirmishers'  line,  drove  him  back,  and 
rescued  the  rest  of  the  heroic  little  band  under  Lieutenant  Sachs.  He 
himself  and  a  number  of  his  men  were,  however,  already  killed,  though 
they  had  made  the  enemy  pay  dearly  for  their  lives. 

Now  the  artillery  of  the  enemy  was  brought  to  bear  upon  the  Union 
men.  Their  fire,  balls  and  shrapnell,  was  well  directed,  but  fortu- 
nately not  very  fatal.  Only  a  few  of  the  men  were  wounded  by  splin- 
ters of  balls. 

While  this  was  going  on  upon  the  left  wing,  the  conflict  on  the  right 
was  no  less  severe.  The  second,  sixth  and  tenth  companies  were  scat- 
tered as  sku-mishers,  whUe  the  seventh  was  drawn  up  in  company 
column  for  their  4>upport.  The  sixth  company  had  taken  position 
behind  a  fence.  The  Rangers  galloped  up  to  them  in  close  line,  and 
commenced  firing  from  rifles  and  revolvers.  Their  fire  was  steadily 
returned  by  the  sixth,  which  held  them  in  check  till  a  part  of  them  got 
behind  the  fence,  when  the  skirmishers  fell  back  behind  the  seventh, 
drawn  up  in  a  square.  Now  a  fearful  conflict  ensued.  A  whole  bat- 
talion of  Rangers,  fully  two  hundred  strong,  bore  down  upon  the  little 
band  of  not  more  than  fifty.  Upon  the  front  and  left  flank  of  the  square 
they  rushed,  with  a  fierce  attempt  to  trample  down  the  squad  before 
them. 

Captain  WelschbelUch  allowed  them  to  come  within  a  distance  of 
seventy  yards,  then  fired  a  volley,  which  staggered  and  sent  them  back. 
But  immediately  afterward  they  reformed  and  again  rushed  fiercely 
upon  the  front  and  both  flanks  of  the  square.  They  seemed  frantio 
with  rage  over  the  successful  resistance  ofiered  to  them,  and  this  time 
many  of  their  band  rode  up  to  the  points  of  the  bayonets.  But  another 
well-aimed  volley  emptied  a  number  of  saddles,  and  sent  back  Jh©  whole 
mass  which  a  moment  before  had  threatened  certain  destruction  to  Cap- 
tain Welschbellich's  company.  A  few  bayonet  thrusts  and  scattering 
shots  brought  down  those  who  had  ventured  to  the  front.  This  second 
repulse  had  a  marked  effect.  Yet  a  third  attack  was  made,  mucli  less 
determined  and  fierce  than  the  two  first,  though  it  was  more  disastrous 
to  the  enemy.  *  During  this,  third  attack  it  was  that  Colonel  Terry,  the 


232  THE  WAB  FOE  THB   UNION.       « 

commander  of  the  Rangers,  was  killed.  Upon  his  fall,  the  whole  column 
broke  and  fled  in  wild  dismay. 

But  in  place  of  the  Rangers,  a  whole  regiment  of  infantry,  accom- 
panied by  their  band  of  music,  now  marched  against  the  "  invincible 
square."  Before  this  overpowering  force  Captain  Welschbellich  deemed 
it  prudent  to  retire,  and  "uiited  with  the  second,  sixth  and  tenth  com- 
panies again. 

About  this  time  it  was  that  Colonel  Willich,  with  his  battle  horse  in 
a  foam,  arrived  upon  the  field.  He  saw  the  right  wing  retiring,  and  the 
entire  infantry  of  the  enemy,  two  regiments,  coming  on,  thus  endanger- 
ing the  retreat  of  the  left  wing.  He  therefore  ordered  the  signal 
for  "retiring  slowly"  to  be  given,  and  collected  the  companies.  The 
second  company,  under  Captain  Glass,  and  the  seventh,  under  Captain 
Welschbellich,  were  the  first  who  took  their  places  in  the  line  of  battle 
of  the  regiment. 

About  this  time  a  manoeuvre  was  executed  by  the  first  company, 
imder  Captain  Erdemeyer,  which  decided  the  day.  When  the  battle 
commenced,  and  the  impression  prevailed  that  the  Unionists  were  fight- 
ing cavalry  alone,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Treba  had  detached  this  company 
to  take  a  position  and  attack  the  flank  of  the  eneiTiy.  When  the  first 
company  arrived  at  the  place  of  destination,  Captajp  Erdemeyer  found 
that  the  enemy  had  likewise  a  large  force  of  infantry  and  artillery,  to 
attack  which  would  have  been  certain  destruction  to  his  company.  He 
therefore  kept  liLs  covered  position  until  the  time  mentioned.  Then, 
finding  the  larger  part  of  the  infantry  drawn  to  another  part  of  the 
field,  he  ordered  an  advance.  His  appearance  was  the  signal  of  a  gen- 
eral retreat  of  the  enemy.  The  rest  of  the  cavalry  fled,  the  artillery 
retired  in  haste,  and  the  infixntry  followed  as  quickly. 

The  Union  loss  was  eleven  killed,  twenty  wounded,  and  five  missing. 
The  enemy  left  a  large  number  of  killed  on  the  field,  and  among  their 
dead  was  the  body  of  Colonel  Terry.  The  rebel  loss  was  thirty-three 
killed  and  sixty  wounded. 


OAPTUEE  or  EEBEL  EEOEUITS  AT  MttPOED,  MO. 

On  th«  eighteenth  of  December,  Brigadier-General  Pope,  command- 
mg  the  Federal  troops  in  the  central  district  of  Missouri,  made  a  bril- 
liant and  successful  movement,  which  resulted  in  the  capture  of  a  con- 
siderable number  of  the  enemy. 

It  wiU  be  recollected  that  the  withdrawal  of  the  Federal  troops  from 
Springfield  and  the  leading  points  of  both  central  and  southern  Missouri, 
had  given  free  scope  to  the  action  of  the  enemy.    Seditious  proclama- 


L^c^^c^^^.^ 


5 


JAPTURB   OP   EKBEL   RECRUITS   AT  MILFORD.  ^36 

tions  been  had  issued  by  Ex-Governor  Jackson  and  General  Price,  and 
had  been  thoroughly  circulated.  Enlisting  agents,  also,  had  been  very 
active,  and  some  two  thousand  recruits,  mostly  drawn  from  the  northern 
counties,  were  proceeding  by  slow  stages  southward,  to  unite  with  the 
main  body  nnder  General  Price. 

A  well  laid  plan  was  matured  by  Generals  Halleck  and  Pope  to  cap- 
ture these  reinforcements ;  and  two  brigades  of  General  Pope's  division 
Avere  dispatched  without  exciting  any  suspicion  as  to  their  destination, 
to  intercept  the  enemy  on  their  march.  The  brigades  were  constituted 
as  follows : 

First  Brigade,  Acting  Brigadier-General  Steele. — Twenty-seventh 
regiment  Ohio  Volunteers,  Colonel  Kennett ;  Twenty-second  regiment 
Indiana  Volunteers,  Colonel  Hendricks ;  First  regiment  Kansas  Volun- 
teers, Colonel  Thayer ;  one  battery  First  Missouri  Volunteers,  Lieu- 
tenant Marr ;  four  companies  regular  cavalry,  Colonel  Amory. 

Second  Brigade,  Acting  Brigadier-General  Jeff.  C.  Davis. — Eigh- 
teenth regiment  Indiana  Volunteers,  Colonel  Patterson*  Eighth  regi- 
ment Indiana  Volunteers,  Colonel  Benton ;  Twenty-fourth  regiment 
Indiana  Volunteers,  Lieutenant ;  one  battery  First  Missouri  Artil- 
lery, Lieutenant  Klaus ;  one  squadron  First  Iowa  Cavalry,  Major 
Torrence. 

The  whole  .was  under  the  immediate  command  of  General  Pope. 
The  four  companies  of  regular  cavalry  were  the  fragments  of  the  original 
companies,  B,  C,  D,  and  E,  and  numbered  but  a  little  over  a  hundred 
men.  They  were  under  the  command  of  Captain  Crittenden,  of  the 
regular  army,  son  of  Hon.  John  J.  Crittenden. 

The  command  started  from  Sedalia  on  Sunday,  the  15th,  and  encamped 
at  night  eleven  miles  distant  on  the  road  to  Clinton.  The  next  day  they 
marched  twenty-six  miles,  and  at  sunset  ai'rived  at  Shawnee  Mound,  in 
Henry  county.  Here  reports  of  various  companies  of  rebels  began 
to  come  in  from  residents  and  from  Union  scouts.  One  company  of 
near  five  hundred  was  heard  of  at  a  point  about  twelve  miles  northwest, 
and  several  smaller  bodies  directly  south,  from  Clinton  to  Butler.  Gen- 
eral Pope  then  dispatched  his  whole  available  force  of  cavalry,  nearly 
seven  hundred,  before  they  had  secured  three  hours'  rest,  after  the  five 
hundred  near  Morristown.  The  cavalry  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Brown, 
of  the  Seventh  Missouri  Volunteers,  pushed  on  all  night,  and  arriving 
at  the  rebel  camp  they  found  it  vacated.  The  enemy  had  received 
warning  and  fled  precipitately,  leaving  numerous  evidences  of  haste. 
The  cavalry,  notwithstanding  their  forty  miles'  continuous  march, 
pushed  on  after  the  fleeing  rebels  till  they  reached  Rose  Hill,  picking 
up  some  twenty  or  thirty  stragglers  on  the  road.  At  Rose  Hill  the 
rebels  separated  into  several  squads,  some  taking  the  road  west,  others 


236  THE   WAR   FOn   THE   UNION. 

taking  the  south  route  to  Butler,  and  Colonel  Bro\m  had  no  other 
alternative  than  to  rest  his  exhausted  horses,  and  finally  to  make  hia 
way  back  to  the  main  column  next  day,  near  Warrensburg.  lie  brought 
in  nearly  one  liundred  prisoners. 

General  Pope  in  the  meantime  kept  advancing  in  a  direction  west  of 
north  to  Chilhowee,  a  most  important  point,  being  the  centre  of  numer- 
ous cross-roads.  This  was  near  the  site  of  the  rebel  camp  just  referred 
to,  and  here  the  pickets  brought  in  some  few  straggling  men  who  were 
bound  for  Price's  army.  At  Chilhowee  they  heard  of  a  rebel  force  of 
1,800  from  the  north,  and  of  the  scouring  of  the  country  south  of  Clin- 
ton by  Major  Hubbard,  of  the  First  Missouri  Cavalry.  Th#  direction 
of  the  Union  forces  was  at  once  cast,  toward  Warrenburg.  That  night 
(Wednesday)  they  encamped  two  and  a  half  miles  west  of  Warrenburg. 
The  repoi'ts  were  confirmed  by  a  loyal  man,  Avho  was  on  his  way  to  give 
the  information.  He  gave  their  location  as  at  Kilpatrick's  mill,  on  the 
Clear  fork  of  Blackwater  Creek.  (Milford  is  the  post-office  name.) 
Early  on  Thursday  morning  they  started  in  the  direction  of  Knob  Nos- 
ter,  being  directly  south  of  the  enemy.  Colonel  ]\Ierrill's  Horse  was 
ordered  to  take  the  direct  road  running  parallel  with  the  course  of  the 
Blackwater,  so  as  to  intercept  them  in  case  they  took  a  western  course. 

The  brigade  of  Colonel  Davis  was  placed  in  the  advance,  with  orders 
to  keep  well  up  to  the  cavalry,  a  section  of  artillery  being  ready  to  sup- 
port the  cavalry  upon  a  minute's  warning.  General  Pope,  with  the 
main  body,  kept  due  west  for  Knob  Noster,  ready  to  come  up  if  neces- 
sary. Colonel  Davis,  finding  that  the  enemy  was  still  in  camp  at  Mil- 
ford,  diverged  to  the  left,  and  put  the  regular  cavalrj',  under  Lieutenant 
Amory,  in  the  advance,  the  four  companies  of  the  First  Iowa  Cavalry, 
under  Major  Torrence,  being  next.  On  approaching  the  mill,  the  men 
discovered  that  the.  rebels  were  posted  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  bridge, 
across  the  dam.  Finding  that  it  would  be  dangerous  to  charge  the 
bridge  mounted,  Lieutenant  Amory  ordered  the  men  to  dismount  and 
skirmish  Avith  pistols  and  sabres,  as  infantry,  the  fourth  man  holding 
the  horses  of  the  other  three.  This  they  instantly  did,  and  advanced 
under  the  lead  of  Lieutenant  Gordon,  of  Company  D.  Some  ineffectual 
skirmishing  took  place  between  the  regulars,  who  were  sheltered  behind 
a  barn  on  the  south  of  the  creek,  and  the  rebels,  who  were  on  the  north 
side.  During  this  interval  the  Iowa  Cavalry  filed  off  to  the  left,  in  the 
attempt  to  cross  the  stream  higher  up,  but  after  vainly  traversing  its 
Bteep  sides  and  muddy  bottom  for  a  mile,  returned  to  find  Lieutenant 
Araory  charging  across  the  bridge,  the  rebels  having  deserted  it  upon 
seeing  Colonel  Davis,  with  the  artillery  advancing.  Lieutenant  Amory 
followed  the  road,  thinking  that  the  rebels  might  flee  to  the  north. 
Lieutenant  Gordon  immediately  dashed  after  some  of  the  scattering 


CAPTURE    OF    KEBEL    RECRUITS    AT   MILFORD.  237 

fugitives  through  the  wood,  and  after  penetrating  a  few  rods,  received 
a  volley  from  the  enemy,  whom  he  just  then  discovered  formed  in  line. 
He  instantly  formed  in  line,  and  ordered  his  men  to  fire. 

The  cavalry,  under  Major  Torrence,  and  the  regulars,  under  Lieutenant 
Amory,  had  in  the  mean  time  reached  the  flank  and  rear  of  another 
body  of  the  enemy,  who  was  thus  enclosed  on  one  side  by  a  long  marsh, 
on  the  other  by  a  deep  and  muddy  mill-pond,  and  on  the  third  by  our 
cavalry.  Colonel  Davis  had  by  this  time  come  up  in  the  rear.  A  white 
flag  was  displayed,  and  Colonel  Alexander,  a  young  man,  came  forward 
and  asked  if  thirty  minutes  would  be  allowed  them  for  consultation. 
Colonel  Davis's  answer  was  "  that  as  night  was  closing  in,  that  was  too 
long,"  Colonel  A.  then  asked  if  he  would  be  allowed  to  go  to  head- 
quarters and  bring  back  the  answer  of  the  commander  of  the  corps, 
Colonel  Robinson.  Permission  being  granted,  he  returned  in  about  five 
minutes,  with  the  response  that  "  they  would  be  obliged  to  surrender 
as  prisoners  of  war."  The  arms  were  stacked,  and  the  men  formed  in 
line  and  marched  between  two  files  of  infantry,  the  Eighteenth  and 
Twenty-fourth  Illinois,  with  all  the  honors  of  war.  Colonel  Davis  im- 
mediately sent  dispatches  to  General  Pope  announcing  his  success,  and 
as  night  was  closing  around,  the  arms  were  hastily  stowed  in  wagons, 
and  the  Federal  troops  commenced  the  march  for  camp.  One  thousand 
guns  of  all  kinds  were  captured,  with  a  full  supply  of  clothing  and  pro- 
vision. One  of  the  enemy  was  killed,  and  several  wounded.  Two 
Federals  were  killed  and  eight  wounded. 

Dispatches  were  deceived  Thursday  evening  from  General  Halleck 
ordering  the  Union  troops  to  fall  back  to  Sedalia.  General  Pope,  there- 
fore, accompanied  with  the  victors  as  an  escort,  and  the  wounded  men, 
started  and  made  the  journey  (twenty  miles)  by  two  o'clock. 

Following  close  upon  them  was  the  brigade  of -Colonel  Ilovey,  of  the 
Twenty-fourth  Indiana,  who  had  been  dispatched  with  two  regiments, 
a  battery,  and  two  squadrons  of  the  First  Missouri  Cavalry,  on  the  Clin- 
ton road  some  twelve  miles  from  S^alia,  where  the  cavalry,  under 
Major  Hubbard,  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  in  number,  made  a  recon- 
noissance  of  the  country  extending  westward  and  southward,  as  far  as 
the  Grand  river,  beyond  Clinton.  Here  they  came  upon  the  pickets  of 
General  Rains,  who,  with  an  advanced  cavalry  force  was  guarding  the 
Grand  river.  The  pickets  were  driven  in,  one  shot,  about  sixty  pris- 
oners taken  within  the  lines  of  General  Rains,  and  a  mill  near  Clinton 
burned. 

The  detachment  of  cavalry  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Brown  also 
burned  a  mill  near  Johnstown,  on  the  borders  of  Bates  county.  His 
force  travelled  two  hundred  and  fifty  miles  in  six  days. 

Colonel  Hovey,  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Indiana,  #ected  a  successful 


238  THE   WAR  FOR   THE   UNION. 

ruse,  whereby  he  succeeded  in  making  a  capture  of  six  prisoners  and 
two  hundred  bushels  of  com  meal.  He  was  ordered  by  General  Turner 
to  reconnoitre  with  about  a  hundred  men  on  the  road  to  Clinton.  Ho 
left  on  Monday  morning,  taking  Fairview  and  Siseonville  on  his  route. 
Learning  on  Tuesday  that  a  party  of  the  enemy  was  encamped  at  a  mill 
near  Chapel  Hill,  he  adopted  a  scheme  for  capturing  the  whole  of  them 
next  day. 

He  ordered  his  men  into  the  wagons,  and  had  them  drawn,  with  the 
exception  of  a  small  guard,  resembling  a  provision  train.  As  they  ap- 
proached Hall's  store  the  rebels  appeared  in  the  brush  ready  to  seize 
the  train.  One  of  his  oflScers  rode  around  a  hill  to  see  the  ^hereabouts 
of  the  party,  when  he  encountered  a  mounted  rebel,  who  raised  his 
•shot-gun,  when  he  was  brought  to  the  ground  by  a  revolver.  Colonel 
Hovey  then  ordered  his  men  to  emerge  from  their  concealment,  and  a 
search  was  made  for  the  enemy.  One  of  them  was  wounded  in  the  fray, 
and  one  killed,  two  balls  lodging  in  his  neck.  A  few  horses  and  mules 
were  captured,  some  of  which  were  branded  U.  S.  The  mill  was  after- 
ward burned,  and  the  meal  put  in  Ilovey's  wagons. 

The  total  number  of  prisoners  taken  exceeded  sixteen  hundred.  The 
march  was  accomplished  in  exceeding  cold  weather,  and  many  of  the 
troops  suffered  severely. 


BATTLE   or   DEANESVILLE,  VA. 

December  20,  1861. 

In  the  month  of  December,  the  Pennsylvania  reserve  regiments,  under 
the  command  of  Major-General  McCall,  constituted  the  right  wing  of 
the  great  Potomac  army.  The  division  occupied  an  extensive  range  of 
country,  beyond  Langley's  church  and  tavern,  the  encampments  stretch- 
ing toward  Lewinsville.  Beyond  this,  north-westwardly,  an  open  coun- 
try extended,  in  the  direction  ofiLeesburg,  some  twelve  or  fifteen  miles, 
unoccupied  by  hostile  forces.  Midway  was  the  village  of  Dranesville, 
a  small  town,  almost  deserted. 

It  hars'ing  been  determined  to  send  a  foraging  party  to  take  possession 
of  a  quantity  of  hay,  oats  and  provender  known  to  be  in  this  neighbor- 
hood, the  brigade  of  General  E.  O.  C.  Ord,  the  third  of  McCall's  division, 
was  assigned  to  the  duty. 

The  force  consisted  of  the  Sixth  regiment,  Colonel  "W.  W.  Rickets ; 
Ninth,  Colonel  C.  F.  Jackson ;  Tenth,  Colonel  John  S.  McCalmont ; 
Twelfth,  Colonel  John  H.  Taggart.  The  regiment  of  riflemen  known 
as  the  Bucktails,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Thomas  L.  Kane ;  a  battery  of  two 
tweDty-four-pound*s  and  two  twelve-pounders,  commanded  by  Captain 


BATTLE    OF    DRANESVILLE.  289 

Easton,  and  a  detachment  of  cavalry  from  Colonel  Bayard's  regiment, 
also  accompanied  the  expedition.  Each  regiment  was  strongly  repre- 
sented, and  there  were  about  four  thousand  men  in  the  expedition. 
The  order  for  march  was  received  on  Thursday  evening,  the  men  being 
directed  to  take  with  them  one  day's  rations.  The  morning  was  clear, 
and  rather  cold,  with  a  slight  mist  around  the  sun,  and  a  thin  layer  of 
frost  whitening  the  road  and  coating  the  grass.  The  Bucktails  were 
assigned  the  advance  of  the  infantry  column,  the  cavalry  preceding  as 
scouts,  and  battery  being  in  reserve.  Colonel  Taggart's  regiment 
brought  up  the  rear.  A  number  of  teams  were  also  in  company.  Each 
regiment  had  two  companies  of  flankers  thrown  out,  on  either  side 
of  the  column,  to  scour  the  woods,  search  the  thickets,  and  prevent 
the  column  from  falling  into  an  ambuscade.  They  halted  at  Difficult 
Creek,  a  narrow  stream,  with  a  heavy  stone  bridge.  The  stream  is 
fordable,  the  average  width  being  thirty  feet. 

The  march  continued.  The  day  became  warm,  the  sky  soft  and  clear, 
as  the  soldiers  approached  Dranesville.  About  noon  the  flanking  com- 
panies of  the  Twelfth  regiment  came  in  and  reported  that  a  large  body 
of  rebels  could  be  seen  from  a  neighboring  hill.  At  another  part  of  the 
line  shots  were  exchanged  between  the  hidden  enemy  and  the  Union 
flanking  companies.  Instantly  a  line  of  battle  was  formed,  but  no  enemy 
appeared,  and  the  firing  ceased. 

The  delay  was  that  of  a  few  minutes.  The  Union  men  were  anxious, 
expectant,  and  enthusiastic.  Suddenly  a  fire  was  opensd  upon  our  line 
from  a  wood  or  thicket  nearly  a  mile  "distant.  The  enemy's  battery 
contained  six  guns,  and  was  placed  in  a  road  skirting  the  wood,  and 
sheltered  by  it.  Their  guns  were  of  large  calibre,  and  they  fired  shells. 
At  first  they  passed  over  the  column  and  exploded  beyond.  The  rebel 
artillerymen  discovered  this,  altered  their  range,  and  their  shells  fell 
short.  In  the  mean  time,  Easton's  battery  was  brought  into  position 
on  the  side  of  an  elevation  in  front  of  the  Twelfth  regiment,  which  was 
in  line  of  battle.  General  Ord  himself  sighted  the  guns,  and  a  sharp 
fire  was  opened  upon  the  enemy. 

The  Union  infantry  laid  down  on  their  arms,  awaiting  the  orders 
of  their  superior  officers.  At  length  the  fire  of  the  enemy  began  to  be 
irregular  and  uncertain,  proving  that  they  either  intended  to  retreat  or 
change  position.  At  this  time  Colonel  Kane,  who  was  on  the  right  of 
the  column,  discovered  the  infantry  of  the  enemy  passing  through  an 
open  clearing  near  the  wood,  evidently  intending  a  flank  movement, 
or  designing  to  occupy  a  brick  house  within  a  hundred  yards  of  his 
regiment.  He  sent  a  detachment  of  twenty  men,  under  command  of 
Lieutenant  Rice,  to  take  the  house,  which  they  did,  and,  under  shelter 
of  its  walls,  opened  fire  upon  the  advancing  regiments.     Having  be- 


240  THB  WAB  FOB  THE   UNION. 

Stowed  the  family  found  in  this  house  safely  in  the  cellar,  the  small 
garrison  demolished  the  windows  and  attacked  the  enemy,  which  was 
afterwards  discovered  to  be  an  Alabama  regiment,  under  command  of 
Colonel  John  H.  Forney ;  a  Kentucky  regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel 
Tom  Taylor;  and  a  South  Carolina  regiment.  They  took  the  shelter 
of  underbrush,  and,  under  the  supposition  that  the  house  was  filled  by 
Union  troops,  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  it,  supported  by  two  small  guns, 
which  threw  shot  and  shell  upon  it.  They  advanced  nearer  and  nearer 
every  volley,  the  brave  Union  riflemen  firing  rapidly  and  with  great 
efiect.  Colonel  Kane  was  among  them  all  the  time,  inspiring  them  with 
his  example.  They  fell  on  the  ground,  they  loaded  their  pieces,  rising 
suddenly,  taking  deliberate , aim,  and  lying  down  to  load  tgain.  The 
"burden  of  the  enemy's  fire  was  directed  at  the  house,  and  it  was  shat- 
tered and  pierced,  the  roof  being  broken,  and  some  of  the  walls  giving 
way. 

The  Federal  fire  was  so  terrific  that  the  enemy  fell  back  from  the 
advanced  position  they  had  assumed,  abandoned  their  flanking  ma- 
noeuvre, and  retreated  to  the  woods  under  cover  of  their  battery,  which 
kept  up  an  irregular  and  uncertain  fire.  The  Bucktails  advanced  in 
pursuit.  As  they  rose  to  follow.  Colonel  Kane,  who  was  leading 
them,  was  wounded.  He  fell,  but  instantly  arose,  and  continued  to  ad- 
vance. In  the  mean  time  General  Ord  ordered  the  line  to  charge  and 
take  the  battery.  The  order  was  given  to  the  Twelfth  regiment.  Col- 
onel John  H.  Taggart  commanding.  It  was  received  with  a  cheer  by 
the  men,  and  they  advanced  m  the  direction  of  the  unseen  battery. 
They  proceeded  to  the  edge  of  the  wood  and  entered,  keeping  the  line 
as  straight  and  precise  as  on  dress  parade.  The  wood  was  dense,  and 
so  impenetrable  that  the  men  found  it  difldcult  to  proceed.  Colonel 
Taggart  threw  his  scabbard  away  and  preceded  his  men  with  his  drawn 
Bword  in  one  hand  and  his  pistol  in  the  other. 

They  came  into  an  open  clearing,  only  to  find  that  the  rebels  had  re- 
treated in  the  most  precipitate  manner.  While  the  Union  troops  were 
crowding  through  the  woods,  the  enemy  had  started  along  the  Leesburg 
road,  taking  their  cannon,  but  leaving  their  dead  and  wounded,  and  large 
quantities  of  arms  and  ammunition.  A  single  caisson  remained.  Their 
magazine  had  been  struck  by  a  shell,  and  exploded  with  appalling 
efiect.  Around  it  the  dead  and  dying  were  heaped  in  masses — fifteen 
men  and  five  hoTses  being  killed.  The  Union  men  were  wild  with 
the  enthusiasm  of  victory,  and  having  placed  the  wounded  in  the  houses 
near  by,  and  chopped  the  gun-carriages  to  splinters,  they  started  in  pur- 
suit of  the  retreating  foe. 

This  was  about  three  o'clock.  General  McCall,  with  his  staff",  had 
arrived  on  the  ground  only  to  hear  of  a  victory  won.    Knowing  that  an 


EXPEDITION   TO    SHIP    ISLAND.  241 

advance  ■would  be  fatal,  he  ordered  a  recall,  and  with  the  wounded  and 
dead,  and  the  trophies  of  war,  the  troops  returned  from  the  field. 

The  brave  and  victorious  band  arrived  at  Langley's  about  nine 
o'clock  in  the  evenifig,  where  they  were  met  by  thousands  of  thwr 
shouting  and  exultant  comrades. 

The  rebel  troops  engaged  in  this  battle  were  on  the  same  errand. 
Two  hundred  wagons  had  been  sent  out  by  General  Stuart,  their  com- 
mander, under  the  care  of  a  foraging  party,  escorted  by  the  Eleventh 
Virginia,  Colonel  Garland ;  the  Sixth  South  Carolina,  under  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  A.  J.  Secrest ;  the  Tenth  Alabama,  Colonel  John  II.  Forney ; 
the  First  Kentucky,  Colonel  Sam.  Taylor ;  the  Sumter  Flying  Artillery, 
Captain  Cutts,  and  detachments  from  Ransom's  and  Radford's  Cavalry. 
The  rebel  troops  fought  well,  and  did  honor  to  themselves  as  soldiers, 
whose  nerve  and  bravery  would  have  been  worthy  of  triumph  in  a 
sacred  cause.  Their  loss  was  seventy-five  killed,  one  hundred  and  fifty 
wounded,  and  thirty  prisoners.  Of  the  Federals,  seven  were  killed  and 
sixty-one  wounded. 


EXPEDITION    TO    SHIP    ISLAND. 

December,  1861. 

General  B.  F.  Butler,  after  having  been  stationed  for  a  short  time  at 
Fortress  Monroe,  was  assigned  to  the  North-Eastern  Department,  and 
located  his  headquarters  at  Boston,  where  he  superintended  the  organi- 
zation of  the  New  England  troops,  and  the  fitting  out  of  an  expedition 
intended  to  make  a  demonstration  at  some  point  on  the  Southern  coast. 
A  portion  of  his  troops  sailed  from  Boston  on  the  23d  of  Novem 
ber,  in  the  steam  transport  Constitution,  which  arrived  at  Fortress 
Monroe  on  the  26th,  with  the  Twenty-sixth  Massachusetts,  and  the 
Ninth  Connecticut  regiments,  and  Captain  Manning's  battery — making 
a  total  of  one  thousand  nine  hundred  men.  Brigadier-General  J.  W. 
Phelps  here  took  the  command,  and  reached  Ship  Island  harbor,  in 
Mississippi  Sound,  December  3. 

On  the  west  end  of  this  island  there  was  a  partly-finished  fort,  occu- 
pied by  Lieutenant  Buchanan  and  one  hundred  and  seventy  sailors  and 
marines,  with  several  ship  guns  in  position.  The  rebels  had  evacuated 
the  island  in  September,  destroying  what  they  could  not  carry  away 
with  them. 

General  Phelps,  on  assuming  the  command  of  Ship  Island,  published 

a  proclamation  "  To  the  loyal  citizens  of  the  South-west,"  in  which  he 

defined  the  political  "  motives  and  principles  "  by  which  his  command 

would  be  governed.     He  then  at  the  very  opening  of  his  address, 

16 


242  THE   WAR   FOR   THE   UNION. 

declared  that  every  slave  State  admitted  into  the  Union  since  the  adop- 
tion of  the  Constitution,  had  been  admitted  in  direct  violation  of  that 
instrument.  That  every  slave  State  that  existed  as  such  at  the  adoption 
of  the  Constitution,  was  by  that  act  placed  under  the  "  highest  obliga- 
tion of  honor  and  morality  to  abolish  slavery."  The  rest  of  the  "  pro- 
clamation" was  in  harmony  with  these  statements.  General  Phelps 
made  an  official  report  of  his  expedition  to  General  Butler,  who  reported 
the  facts  to  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  United  States.  General  Phelps 
was  commended  for  the  successful  manner  in  which  he  had  performed 
his  military  duties,  but  his  proclamation  was  pronoimced  superfluous  and 
uncalled  for. 

The  occupancy  of  Ship  Island  being  secured,  the  forces  remained  in 
undisturbed  possession,  awaiting  the  future  movements  of  the  com- 
mander of  the  expedition. 


ENGAGEMENT  AT  MOUNT  ZION. 

Deckmbee  28,  1861. 

On  the  23d  of  December,  General  Prentiss,  commanding  the  array 
of  Northern  Missouri,  having  his  headquarters  at  Palmyra,  received 
orders  to  disperse  a  body  of  the  enemy's  forces  that  had  concentrated 
in  Boone  County.  In  pursuance  of  his  instructions  he  started  on  the 
following  morning  with  two  hundred  of  the  Third  Missouri  Cavalry, 
Colonel  John  Glover,  and  five  companies  of  Sharpshooters,  under  Col- 
onel Birge,  and  arrived  at  Sturgeon  on  the  evening  of  the  20th. 

During  the  following  day,  having  learned  that  there  was  a  concentra- 
tion of  rebels  near  the  village  of  Hallsville,  in  Boone  County,  General 
Prentiss  sent  forward  one  company  of  cavalry,  commanded  by  Captain 
Rowland,  to  reconnoitre  in  that  vicinity.  Captain  Rowland  proceeded 
to  Hallsville,  but  found  no  rebels.  After  proceeding  about  two  miles 
beyond,  his  advance  guard  encountered  the  rebels  in  force,  commanded 
by  Colonel  Dorsey.  Captain  Rowland  endeavored  to  draw  olF  his  com- 
pany, having  taken  nine  prisoners,  but  was  overpowered.  Being 
wounded,  and  having  lost  his  horse,  he  was  taken  prisoner,  M-ith  one 
private  of  his  company.  The  remainder  of  his  men  made  good  their 
retreat,  arriving  at  Sturgeon  at  nine  o'clock,  p.  m. 

Raving  learned  th opposition  of  the  enemy.  General  Prentiss  ordered 
his  command,  numbering  in  all  four  hundred  and  seventy,  to  march  at 
two  o'clock,  A.  M.,  at  which  hour  he  started,  and  after  marching  a  dis- 
tance of  sixteen  miles,  at  eight  o'clock  a.  m.  of  the  28th  inst.  found  one 
company  of  rebels,  commanded  by  Captain  Johnson,  in  position  to  the 
left  of  the  road  leading  from  Hallsville  to  Mount  Zion.     General  Pren- 


ARKANSAS,  AND   THE   INDIANS.  -  243 

liss  ordered  two  companies  of  sharpshooters  to  pass  to  the  rear  of  the 
enemy,  and  one  of  cavalry  to  dismount  and  engage  them  in  the  front. 

Colonel  Glover  opened  fire,  and  succeeded  in  killing  five  and  cap- 
turing seven  prisoners,  from  whom  was  ascertained  the  number  and 
position  of  th()  main  force — the  enemy  being  posted  at  a  church,  known 
as  Mount  Zion,  in  Boone  County,  one  mile  and  a  half  in  advance, 
numbering  near  nine  hundred  men.  General  Prentiss  ordered  the 
cavalry  under  Colonel  Glover  forward,  accompanied  by  two  companies 
of  Birge's  sharpshooters.  Colonel  Birge,  arriving  near  the  encamp- 
ment, ordered  one  troop  of  cavalry  to  dismount  and  engage  the  enemy. 
The  sharpshooters  were  afterward  ordered  through  a  field  on  the  right 
to  skirmish  with  the  enemy's  left,  and  if  possible  drive  them  from  the 
woods. 

The  firing  being  heavy,  and  these  three  companies  proving  unable  to 
drive  the  enemy  from  his  cover.  Colonel  Glover,  with  his  available  force, 
moved  in  double-quick  to  their  aid,  and  for  half  an  hour  longer  the  bat- 
tle raged  and  became  a  hand-to-hand  fight.  Captain  Boyd's  company 
of  sharpshooters  were  in  the  midst  of  the  rebel  camp.  Also,  Major 
Carrick,  with  Company  C  of  the  Cavalry.  When  Colonel  Glover 
arrived,  the  enemy  retreated,  leaving  in  the  Federal  hands  90  horses 
and  105  stand  of  arms.      The  battle  was  brought  to  a  close  about 

11  A.  M. 

The  reserve  of  two  companies  coming  into  action  at  the  moment  the 
enemy  gave  way,  the  victory  was  complete.  After  collecting  the 
wounded,  the  Federals  proceeded  to  care  for  those  of  the  enemy,  placing 
them  in  the  church,  and  sent  for  farmers  and  friends  in  the  vicinity  to 
render  assistance,  when  they  returned  to  Sturgeon,  where  they  arrived 
at  9,  p.  M.  The  loss  in  the  battle  of  Mount  Zion,  and  in  the  engage- 
ment of  the  evening  previous,  was  :  Killed,  3 ;  shghtly  wounded,  46  ; 
severely  wounded,  17.    Rebel  loss  :  Killed,  25  ;  wounded,  150. 


AEKAUSAS,    AND   THE  INDIANS. 

rhe  prominent  and  active  men  in  the  State  of  Arkansas,  and  particu- 
larly all  wlio  held  ofiicial  positions,  were  allied  politically  with  the  South 
Carolina  conspirators,  while  the  majority  of  the  people,  in  the  early 
stages  of  the  insurrection,  were  loyal.  Hence,  the  leaders  were  slow  in 
their  movements  to  carry  the  State  out  of  the  Union ;  but  when  the 
Confederate  government  had  become  organized,  and  transferred  to 
Richmond,  and  the  rebellion  had  been  fully  inaugurated  by  the  attack 
on  Fort  Sumter,  followed  by  the  proclamation  of  President  Lincoln, 
they  deemed  that  the  time  had  come  for  the  development  of  their  plans. 


244  THE  WA.B  FOB  THB   UinOW. 

The  Governor  of  the  State,  Henry  M.  Hector,  on  the  22d  of  April,  1861, 
directed  the  seizure  by  State  troops  of  the  United  States  stores  at 
Napoleon  ;  followed  on  the  24th  by  the  capture  of  Fort  Smith  by  the 
forces  under  Colonel  Borland. 

The  Legislature  being  convened  at  Little  Rock,  an  unconditional 
ordinance  of  Secession  was  passed  on  the  6th  of  May,  and  on  the  1 8th 
the  Confederate  Congress  at  Richmond  declared  the  admission  of 
Arkansas  to  the  Southern  Confederacy. 

It  was  the  misfortune  of  the  loyal  men  of  the  State  that  they  did  not 
number  in  their  ranks  any  citizens  of  power  and  influence,  who  had 
energy  sufficient  to  organize  the  Unionists,  and  oppose  a  barrier  to  the 
acts  of  the  enemies  of  the  Federal  Government.  Unarmed  and  unor- 
ganized, while  the  conspirators  were  in  a  state  of  preparation  for  any 
resistance  that  might  be  made,  protest  and  opposition  were  of  no  avail, 
and  the  loyal  men  of  the  State  were  compelled  to  submit,  and  endure 
the  persecutions  and  depredations  of  the  more  numerous  secessonists, 

A  great  deal  of  excitement  was  occasioned  during  the  month  of  No- 
vember by  the  discovery  that  the  Union  men  of  Izard,  Fulton,  Inde- 
pendent and  Searcey  counties  had  secret  organizations  and  societies  for 
mutual  protection  and  co-operation.  This  accidental  disclosure  exasper- 
ated the  conspirators,  who  adopted  the  most  violent  measures  to  dis- 
perse the  Unionists,  and  break  up  their  associations.  Many  were  taken 
to  Little  Rock  and  hanged,  while  others  were  arrested  in  the  woods, 
attempting  to  escape  beyond  the  State,  and  shared  the  same  fate.  Large 
numbers  of  refugees,  however,  succeeded  in  reaching  Missouri,  where 
they  remained,  and  subsequently,  under  Captain  Ware,  a  member  of  the 
Arkansas  Legislature,  organized  as  a  military  body  at  RoUa,  Missouri, 
and  entered  the  service  under  General  Curtis,  receiving  large  accessions 
on  the  marching  of  Curtis'  expedition  into  the  State. 

Impressed  with  the  importance  of  securing  the  services  of  the  Indian 
tribes  Avithin  the  limits  of  Arkansas,  as  well  as  the  adjoining  territory, 
the  agents  of  the  Richmond  government  were  instructed  to  negotiate 
with  the  Cherokees  ariS  Creeks  on  the  borders  of  Arkansas,  promising 
the  payment  of  the  United  States  annuities  by  the  Confederacy  in  case 
of  their  allegiance.  On  the  24th  of  August  an  agreement  was  entered 
iutO'by  some  of  the  Cherokee  chiefs,  and  the  two  tribes  raised  2,000 
men  for  the  war.  The  nations  were  divided  on  the  question,  the  most 
intelligent  being  convinced  that  loyalty  to  the  Federal  Government 
w^aS  their  true  policy  not  less  than  their  duty.  The  Choctaws,  Chicka- 
saws,  and  other  tribes  were  treated  in  a  similar  manner,  and  with  the 
same  results — secession  having  the  effect  of  dividing  the  Red  Men  of 
the  forest  as  it  had  divided  the  pale  faces  of  the  east. 

From  authentic  sources  it  was  learned  from     le  Seminole  agency 


BOMBARDMKNT   AT  FOKT  PICKETS.  24S 

that  Opothleyoholo,  a  loyal  chief,  had  collected  together  four  or  five 
thousand  Indians,  and  about  thirteen  hundred  negroes,  who  had  gone 
to  him  with  the  hope  of  being  rendered  free.  When  General  Cooper 
(rebel,)  at  the  head  of  the  Creek,  Choctaw  and  Chickasaw  regiments, 
with  other  Indians,  amounting  to  near  five  thousand,  advanced  upon 
Opothleyoholo's  camp,  his  followers  fled,  leaving  all  behind.  Opothle- 
yoholo left  with  a  few  adherents  for  the  south-west.  Most  of  his  follow- 
ers were  reported  to  be  with  Colonel  Cooper,  who  was  said  to  have  a 
very  large  Indian  force  with  him. 


BOMBAKDMENT   AT   POET    PICKENS. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1862,  Fort  Pickens  with  the  rebel  forts  and 
batteries  on  the  Bay  of  Pensacola  again  awoke  the  thunders  of  their 
heavy  artillery,  whose  tremendous  explosions  reverberated  for  thirty 
miles  along  the  Florida  coast. 

The  loyal  garrison  at  the  fort  had  been  long  chafipg  imder  the  re- 
straints of  continued  inaction.  The  commander.  Colonel  Harvey  Brown, 
Fifth  United  States  Artillery,  had  been  anxiously  awaiting  the  time 
when  a  sufficient  force  would  be  at  his  command  to  drive  the  unwelcome 
foe  from  his  position  near  the  fort. 

Lieutenant  Adam  J.  Slemmer,  of  Pennsylvania,  of  the  First  United 
States  Artillery,  the.former  brave  commander,  who  saved  the  fort  by  his 
courage  and  loyalty,  on  the  12th  of  January,  1861,  had  been  relieved, 
on  account  of  ill-health.  He  received  a  Major's  commission  in  the  Six- 
teenth United  States  Infantry,  May  14th,  1861. 

On  the  first  day  of  the  year  a  small  steamer  was  seen  from  Fort 
Pickens  making  her  way  toward  the  Navy  Yard.  She  was  a  saucy, 
defiant  looking  craft,  and  some  one  on  board  waved  a  secession  flag 
ostentatiously  in  sight,  as  if  challenging  a  fire.  This  was  an  exasperating 
insult  to  the  restive  men  shut  up  in  the  fort.  Colonel  Brown  had  fre- 
•  quently  warned  General  Bragg  against  forcing  the  presence  of  these 
insolent  steamers  upon  him,  and  when  this  presumptuous  little  craft 
approached  Fort  Pickens,  with  its  flag  in  commotion,  he  opened  fire 
upon  her.  She  drew  in  her  flag  and  retreated  instantly  with  a  crest- 
fallen, retrogade  movement,  in  amusing  contrast  with  her  first  approach. 

The  fire  from  Fort  Pickens  was  directly  answered  by  all  the  ^ebel 
batteries,  and  in  a  brief  time  the  engagement  became  general.  The 
firing  on  both  sides  was  kept  up  through  the  entire  day,  and  at  night 
Pickens  maintained  a  slow  fire  from  her  thirteen-inch  mortars,  which 
was  promptly  returned  by  the  rebels. 

About  midnight  a  conflagration  broke  out  in  the  Navy  Yard.     It 


846  THE   WAR   FOR   THE    UlflOX. 

flamed  up  furiously,  consuming  the  buildings  of  the  Yard,  and  spreading 
to  the  town  of  Woolsey,  adjoining  the  Navy  Yard  ou  the  north,  where 
it  raged  all  night. 

The  scene  during  the  night  was  wonderfully  magnificent.  Every 
shell  could  be  tracked  in  its  course  through  the  air  from  the  moment  it 
left  the  gun  until  it  exploded,  scattering  destruction  all  aroynd.  These 
shells,  rising  up  against  a  cloud  of  surging  flame,  which  sent  its  red  light 
in  a  continued  glare  landward  and  seaward,  formed  an  appaUing  spectacle. 
The  minutest  outline  of  the  grim  fort  seemed  sketched  on  a  background 
of  fire,  rendering  the  light  which  Colonel  Brown  hung  out  from  its 
walls,  in  scornful  bravado,  offering,  a  sure  mark  to  the  enemy,  scarcely 
more  than  one  of  the  ten  thousand  sparks  that  filled  the  atmosphere 
with  gleams  of  gold.  Far  off  over  the  beautiful  land  the  light  of  that 
conflagration  spread,  filling  the  inhabitants  with  alarm ;  and  so  brightly 
did  it  flame  over  the  ocean,  that  the  United  States  steamer  Mercedita 
floated  in  the  glow  of  its  ruddy  light  when  over  twenty  miles  at  sea. 

Through  the  heat  of  this  conflagration  the  guns  kept  up  their  slow 
booming  thundpr,  adding  to  the  sublime  interest  of  the  scene.  Tlie 
firing  on  both  sides  was  remarkable  for  its  extreme  accuracy.  Shells  in 
countless  numbers  fell  inside  of  Fort  Pickens,  and  were  returned  with 
double  vigor  by  its  guns. 

All  the  batteries  were  engaged,  and  did  their  work  admirably.  Fort 
McRae,  which  had  been  so  roughly  handled  by  the  Federal  squadron 
at  the  last  engagement,  resumed  its  accustomed  vigo^,  and  Battery  Scott 
kept  up  a  constant  fire  throughout  the  engagement. 

Several  ships  of  the  squadron  were  present,  but  took  no  part  in  the 
fight.  It  was  well  they  did  not,  for  nothing  could  have  been  gained,  and 
probably  much  would  have  been  lost  had  they  attempted  to  oppose 
their  wooden  sides  to  stone  walls  and  earthworks. 

The  bombardment  was  the  old  story  of  fort  against  fort,  at  a  distance 
too  great  for  any  decisive  result.  The  Unionists  gained  nothing,  yet 
expended  a  large  amount  of  powder,  shot  and  shell,  and  the  enemy  had 
no  greater  advantage.  Apart  from  the  burning  of  Warrington,  the- 
Navy  Yard  and  Woolsey,  no  injury  worth  speaking  of  was  sustained. 
The  next  day  Fort  Pickens  stood  out  against  the  sky  grim  and  strong 
as  it  was  before  the  bombardment.  There  were  but  few  if  any  casual- 
ties worth  recording  during  this  affair.  Even  Colonel  Brown's  lantern, 
hung  out  to  guide  the  rebel  shot,  failed  to  invite  any  real  injury ;  and 
except  that  it  left  a  wide  field  of  devastation  behind,  the  bombardment 
of  Fort  Pickens  had  few  important  results. 


EOUT    OP    GENERAL    MARSHALL   AT   PATNTSVILLK.  247 

EOUT  OF  GENEEAL  MAESHALL  AT  PAINTSVILLE,  KY. 
January  7, 1862. 

On  the  7th  of  January,  Colonel  Garfield,  who  had  his  encampment 
on  Muddy  Creek,  in  Eastern  Kentucky,  marched  to  attack  the  rebel 
General  IVfarshall,  Avho  with  a  large  force  of  men  and  a  battery  of  four 
pieces,  was  known  to  have  an  entrenched  camp  at  Paintsville,  the  capital 
of  Johnson  county.  Colonel  Garfield's  command,  composed  of  the 
Forty-second  Ohio,  the  Fourteenth  Kentucky,  and  Major  McLaughlin's 
squadron  of  Ohio  cavalry,  making  an  effective  force  of  about  fifteen 
hundred  men,  broke  up  their  camp  on  Muddy  Creek,  and  moved  toward 
Paintsville.  While  on  the  march  they  were  reinforced  by  a  battalion  of 
the  First  Virginia  cavalry,  under  Colonel  Bolles,  and  by  three  hundred 
of  the  Twenty-second  Kentucky,  raising  the  force  to  about  twenty-two 
hundred  men.  The  enemy,  under  Humplirey  Marshall,  numbering  three 
thousand  five  hundred  men,  and  having  a  battery  of  four  pieces,  learn- 
ed of  the  approach,  and  also  that  of  the  Fortieth  Ohio  and  of  four 
hundred  of  Colonel  Wolford's  cavalry  by  the  way  of  Mount  Sterling  and 
the  valley  of  the  Paint  Creek.  They  had,  two  days  previously,  after  burn- 
ing large  quantities  of  grain,  broken  up  their  intrenched  camp,  and 
efiected  a  retreat  to  the  heights  on  Middle  Creek,  two  miles  distant 
from  Prestonburg.  They  had  left  a  corps  of  observation  at  the  mouth 
of  Jennie  Creek,  three  miles  west  from  Paintsville,  of  three  hundred 
cavalry,  and  a  large  force  of  infantry  about  seven  miles  up  Jennie 
Creek,  to  protect  and  facilitate  the  passage  of  their  trains. 

Immediately  on  arriving  Colonel  Garfield,  learning  the  position  of 
this  cavalry,  but  unaware  of  the  whereabouts  of  the  other  divisions 
of  the  rebel  force,  immediately  commenced  the  erection  of  a  pontoon 
or  floating  bridge  across  the  Paint  Lick  Creek,  at  Paintsville.  At  four 
p.  M.  he  crossed  with  eight  companies  of  the  Forty-second  Ohio,  and 
two  companies  of  the  Fourteenth  Kentucky,  with  a  view  of  making  an 
armed  reconnoissance,  and  if  possible  of  cutting  off  and  capturing  the 
cavalry.  At  two  p.  m.  he  had  dispatched  Colonel  Bolles'  cavalry  and 
one  company  of  the  Forty-second,  under  the  command  of  Captain  S.  M. 
Barber,  with  orders  to  give  a  good  account  of  the  cavalry.  But  later  in 
the  day,  on  learning  the  possibility  of  cutting  them  off,  he  had  sent 
orders  to  Colonel  Bolles  not  to  attack  them  until  he  had  obtained  time 
to  get  in  their  rear.  Not  receiving  the  last  orders,  and  indeed  before 
they  were  issued.  Colonel  Bolles,  in  obedience  to  his  first  directions, 
crossed  the  Paint  by  fording,  and  vigorously  assaulting  the  enemy,  soon 
put  them  to  flight  up  the  valley  of  Jennie.  In  their  haste,  followed  as 
they  were  by  the  cavalry,  they  strewed  the  road  with  their  equipments, 


248  THE  WAB  FOB  THE  UIHOIT. 

while  here  and  there  a  dead  or  wounded  soldier  gave  proof  that  they 
were  losing  men  also.  The  pursuit  was  kept  up  for  seven  miles,  right 
into  the  infantry  division  which  was  guarding  the  train.  Stationed 
on  either  side  of  the  road,  that  did  not  permit  more  than  two  to  ride 
abreast,  it  opened  a  heavy  cross-fire  on  the  Union  cavalry,  compelling 
them  to  fall  back,  and  finally  to  retreat,  which  they  did  in  good  order, 
having  inflicted  a  loss  of  twenty-five  in  killed  and  wounded,  according 
to  rebel  account,  and  losing  but  two  killed  and  one  wounded.  Fif- 
teen rebels  were  taken  prisoners.  Meanwhile  Colonel  Garfield,  with 
his  command,  having  remained  a  short  time  to  fully  explore  the  enemy's 
deserted  fortifications,  (consisting  of  lunettes,  breastworks,  rifle-pits  and 
a  fort  situated  on  the  top  of  a  conical  hill,)  and  wholly  unaware  of  what 
had  taken  place,  pressed  forward  to  the  hoped  for  consummation  of  the 
march.  But  few  miles  had  been  traversed,  however,  when  the  evidences 
of  a  hasty  retreat  became  so  apparent  that  all  were  convinced  that  the 
enemy  had  flown.  The  object  of  the  march  having  been  thus  thwarted, 
an  early  return  to  Paintsville  became  desirable,  and  it  was  accomplished 
at  the  dawn. 


BATTLE  OF  MIDDLE  OEEEE,  KY. 

January  10,  1862. 

Having  recruited  his  men  by  a  night's  rest  at  Paintsville,  Colonel 
Garfield  was  preparing  to  start  in  immediate  pursuit  on  the  morning  of 
the  8th,  but  receiving  information  of  the  superior  force  of  the  eftemy, 
he  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  Fortieth  Ohio  regiment,  and  Wolford'a 
Kentucky  cavalry,  by  way  of  Mount  Sterling.  These  troops  joined  him 
on  that  day,  raising  his  efiective  force  to  about  twp  thousand  four  hun- 
dred men,  after  deducting  Colonel  Bolle's  Virginia  cavalry,  which,  in  obe- 
dience to  orders,  had  returned  to  Guyandotte  in  that  State.  On  the  9th, 
Colonel  Garfield  detailed  from  the  Forty-second  and  Fortieth  Ohio,  and 
Foui^enth  Kentucky  each  three  hundred  men,  and  from  the  Twenty- 
second  Kentucky  two  hundred  men,  and  taking  the  immediate  command, 
supported,  however,  by  Colonel  Craner  of  the  Fortieth,  and  Major  Burke 
of  the  Fourteenth.  After  detaching  Colonel  Wolford's  and  Major  Mc- 
Laughlin's cavalry  up  Jennie's  Creek,  he  marched  up  the  river  road  leading 
to  Prestonburg.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  10th,  Colonel  Sheldon  of 
the  Forty-second  Ohio,  in  command  at  the  camp,  received  a  dispatch 
from  Colonel  Garfield,  stating  that  he  had  found  the  enemy,  and  asking 
reinforcements.  In  compliance  with  the  order,  at  six  a.  m.  on  the  tenth, 
Colonel  Sheldon  marched  with  eight  hundred  men,  who  eagerly  pressed 
forward  on  their  way  to  the  scene  of  action.     As  Colonel  Garfield  had 


BATTLB  OP  MIDDLE  CREEK.  249 

stated,  he  had  found  the  enemy  two  miles  from  Prestonbiirg,  on  IMiddle 
Creek,  in  a  chosen  position  among  the  hills,  with  between  four  and  five 
thousand  men  and  four  pieces  of  artillery.  The  Fifth  Virginia  regi-^ 
ment,  Colonel  Trigg,  Colonel  John  S.  Williams'  Kentucky  regiment,. 
Colonel  ]\Ioore's  Kentucky  regiment,  Markhara  and  Wicher's  cavalry, 
and  the  Fourth  Virginia  infantry,  lay  in  full  strength  on  the  hills  at  the 
forks  of  the  creek,  while  their  battery  seemed  to  forbid  all  approach. 
Nothing  deterred  by  the  formidable  position  and  number  of  the  enemy, 
Colonel  Garfield,  not  fully  aware  of  their  exact  locality,  sent  skirmishers 
forward  with  a  view  of  drawing  the  enemy's  fire,  and  thus  ascertaining 
his  whereabouts.  Not  succeeding  in  this,  about  noon  he  sent  forward 
his  escort  of  cavalry,  some  twenty  strong,  in  a  headlong  charge.  This 
accomplished  the  object,  for  the  enemy,  thinking  the  whole  Union  force 
upon  them,  opened  with  musketry,  shot  and  shell  upon  the  cavalry,  and  a 
small  party  of  the  skirmishers  under  Adjutant  Olds  of  the  Forty-second, 
then  in  a  corn-field  immediately  in  front  of  the  position  of  Colonel 
Williams'  Kentucky  regiment,  and  flanked  on  the  left  by  the  artillery 
and  Trigg's  Virginia  regiment.  The  cavalry  made  a  hasty  retreat,  and 
the  enemy  concentrated  their  whole  fire  on  Adjutant  Olds  and  his  party, 
but  without  effect.  After  replying  with  some  fifteen  rounds  of  musketry, 
and  observing  a  large  force  thrown  out  on  his  right,  with  intent  to  cut 
him  off,  he  fell  back  upon  the  main  body.  The  position  of  the  enemy 
thus  disclosed  was  as  follows :  Colonel  Williams'  regiment  was  behind 
a  ridge  at  the  head  q^  the  gorge,  and  on  the  right  of  the  road,  so  that 
his  fire  commanded  the  gorge  and  road  for  a  half-mile.  Colonel  Trigg's 
regiment,  the  Fourth  Virginia,  was  on  the  crest  of  the  crescent-shaped 
hill  on  the  left  of  the  road,  commanding  it  by  their  flanking  fire.  The 
artillery  was  between  the  two  at  the  forks  of  the  creek  and  the  turn  in  the 
road  and  gorge.  The  evident  design  of  the  enemy  was  to  draw  the 
Unionists  up  the  road  in  front  of  their  cannon  and  between  the  cross- 
fire of  the  three  regiments,  but  this  well-formed  plan  failed  in  its  execu- 
tion, as  in  their  impotence  or  nervousness  they  neglected  to  reserve 
their  fire  for  the  approach  of  the  main  body.  The  remainder  of  their 
force  were  in  the  rear  of  their  cannon,  in  a  strong  supporting  position. 
Occupying  Graveyard  Point,  the  end  of  a  high  ridge  on  the  right  of 
the  creek  north  of  his  main  body.  Colonel  Garfield  dispatched  a  hundred 
men  across  the  creek  to  ascend  the  horn  of  the  crescent  farthest  up  the 
gorge.  The  ascent  was  most  difficult,  the  men  being  compelled  to 
creep  on  their  hands  and  knees  most  of  the  way.  On  attaining  the 
summit,  they  were  greeted  with  the  whole  fire  of  Trigg's  regiment, 
stationed  at  the  base,  and  deployed  along  the  other  horn ;  also  by  a  fire 
from  the  artillery  and  the  reserve  in  the  rear.  On  the  top  of  the  ridge, 
and  at  points  nearly  equi-distant  from  each  other,  were  three  piles  of 


250  THB  WAB  FOB  THE  UNION. 

stone,  the  possession  of  which  was  eagerly  sought  for  by  the  contend- 
ing parties. 

The  small  band  on  the  summit  of  the  ridge  were  now  reinforced  by 
two  hundred  men,  and  assisted  by  the  reserve  at  Graveyard  Point,  who 
poured  a  galling  fire  on  the  deployed  right  flank  of  the  enemy,  they 
soon  drove  him  from  the  first  stone  pile,  and  took  possession  of  it. 

A  force  of  two  hundred  men  was  then  thrown  out  by  Colonel  Gar- 
field for  the  ascent  of  the  lower  horn  of  the  crescent.  These  soon 
reached  the  summit,  where  being  reinforced  by  Colonel  Craner  of  the 
Fortieth  with  three  hundred  men,  they  captured  the  third  stone  pile, 
while  the  i«ebels  were  thus  confined  to  the  second  or  central  one.  The 
fire  was  now  exceedingly  heavy.  Both  parties  betook  themselves  to 
the  shelter  of  the  rocks  and  trees,  and  the  battle  raged  furiously,  the 
shots  tearing  through  the  branches  and  surging  up  the  defiles  of  the 
mountains  in  a  wild  tumult  of  sounds. 

About  half-past  four  a  burst  of  loud  cheering  heralded  in  reinforce- 
ments for  the  Union  troops.  A  detachment  of  brave  soldiers  came  in 
simultaneously  with  the  shouts  that  welcomed  them,  panting,  and  almost 
breathless  from  the  fatigue  of  a  long  march  ;  for  fifteen  miles  they  had 
struggled  througluthe  mud  of  a  broken  road  without  breakfast,  and  at 
a  tiresome  pace.  Excited  by  the  sound  of  the  conflict,  they  had  marched 
the  last  two  miles  on  the  double-quick,  and  came  in  bathed  with  perspi- 
ration, bespattered  with  mud,  and  half  the  men  carrying  their  coats  on 
their  arms. 

Though  fatigued  with  the  forced  march,  and  faint  with  hunger,  these 
noble  fellows  demanded  only  to  be  led  at  once  into  battle.  After  a 
short  rest,  they  were  thrown  across  the  creek  to  ascend  tl^e  right  horn 
of  the  crescent,  but  were  finally  ordered  back,  as  it  had  now  become 
too  dark  to  advance  with  safety,  and  the  storm  of  battle,  by  mutual 
consent,  ceased.  Resting  upon  their  arms,  determined  to  renew  the 
battle  in  the  morning,  the  Union  troops  spent  the  night;  but  when 
morning  dawned,  the  enemy,  it  was  found,  had  vanished.  Under  cover 
of  the  darkness  he  had  burned  his  heavy  baggage  and  retreated.  He 
left  twenty-seven  dead  on  the  field,  and  it  is  definitely  ascertained  had 
some  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  wounded,  of  whom  forty-two  subse- 
quently died.     The  Federals  lost  two  killed  and  twenty-five  wounded. 

The  Richmond  papers  claimed  a  brilliant  Confederate  victory  on  this 
occasion,  estimating  the  Federal  forces  at  8,000  men,  and  their  loss  at 
400  killed  and  wounded. 


BATTLE   OF   SFLVEn   CREEK.  '    251 

BATTLE   OP  SILVEE  OEEEK.  MO. 

January  8, 1862. 

It  was  the  misfortune  of  Missouri,  more  than  any  other  State,  to  be  a 
battle-ground  for  the  guerrilla  forces  of  the  rebels,  and  for  the  skirmish- 
ing engagements  of  the  war.  These  minor  battles,  while  they  had 
but  little  effect  on  the  great  result,  inflicted  untold  horrors  on  the  peo- 
ple dwelling  there. 

At  the  opening  of  the  year  1862,  General  Pope  had  command  of  the 
North-western  District  of  the  State,  with  his  headquarters  at  Ottervillo, 
Cooper  county. 

Having  heard  that  the  enemy  was  busily  engaged  in  recruiting  men 
in  Roanoke  and  adjoining  counties.  Major  "W.  M.  G.  Torrence  of  the 
First  Iowa  Cavalry  was  ordered  to  concentrate  and  take  command  of 
several  small  bodies  of  Federal  troops,  then  guarding  important  points 
in  the  district,  and  to  break  up  the  rebel  encampments. 

From  Boone ville,  Major  Torrence  proceeded  to  Fayette,  Howard 
county,  and  for  several  days  was  actively  engaged  in  scouring  the 
country  and  endeavoring  to  ascertain  the  position  and. strength  of  the 
rebel  forces.  He  found  that  Colonel  Poindexter  was  recruiting  in 
various  places  in  the  county,  and  that  he  was  encamped  with  his  prin- 
cipal force,  of  from  five  to  seven  hundred  men,  on  Silver  Creek,  and  had 
other  camps  to  reinforce  him  when  ready  to  move,  to  the  number  of 
from  twelve  to  fifteen  hundred  men. 

They  further  reported  that  he  had  pledged  himself  to. his  men  that  he 
would  clean  out  the  Federals  in  the  county  of  Howard  in  a  very  few 
days.  Night  after  night  was  selected  to  surprise  the  Union  camp  with 
his  whole  force,  but  through  some  mishap  they  never  appeared.  On 
the  morning  of  January  8th,  all  was  in  motion  in  the  Federal  camp, 
under  orders  from  Major  Torrence  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to 
move  with  all  their  able-bodied  men  at  an  early  hour.  They  took  up 
their  line  of  march  for  Roanoke,  and,  after  moving  a  few  miles,  were 
joined  by  Major  Hubbard's  command.  The  forces  now  comprised  a 
portion  of  Merrill's  horse,  under  Major  Hunt,  one  company  of  the 
Fourth  Ohio,  under  Captain  Foster,  a  part  of  the  Missouri  First,  under 
Major  Hubbard,  and  four  companies  of  the  First  Iowa,  under  Major 
Torrence.  After  passing  the  town  of  Roanoke,  the  whole  colunm  moved 
rapidly  about  five  miles,  and  halted  to  have  position  and  duties  assigned  to 
the  several  commands.  Learning  that  the  enemy  were  in  a  strong  position 
on  the  Creek,  where  it  probably  would  be  impossible  to  charge  them  with 
mounted  men,  it  was  determined  to  dismount  and  fight  as  infantry. 

Captain  Foster  was  assigned  the  advance,  followed  by  Merrill's  Horse 


252  THE  WAB  FOR  THE  UNIOK. 

and  the  Missouri  First,  all  armed  with  carbines.  The  First  Iowa  were 
to  make  a  descent  upon  the  camp  with  drawn  sabers,  and  if  impossible 
to  make  a  charge  mounted,  they  were  to  dismount  and  move  on  foot. 
Lieutenant  Dustin,  of  the  First  Iowa,  with  ten  men,  formed  the  advance 
guard.  All  being  in  readiness,  they  moved  forward  very  rapidly,  and 
followed  the  tortuous  windings  of  a  road  leading  through  narrow  lanes 
and  thick  timber,  till  the  sharp  crack  of  a  rifle  warned  them  that  they 
were  upon  the  rebel  pickets.  This  was  the  signal  to  rush  forward,  M-hich 
was  done.  On,  on  they  pushed,  through  underbrush  and  defiles,  till  the 
advanced  guard  rushed  to  the  entrance  of  their  camp,  and  found  the 
enemy  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle.  It  was  now  found  that  the  thick 
timber  and  undei'brush  forbade  a  charge  upon  the  camp.  The  order 
to  dismount  passed  along  the  lines,  and  a  column  of  armed  infantry 
emerged  from  the  lines  on  the  roadside,  ready  for  the  onset.  The  bat- 
tle now  commenced  in  earnest,  and  volley  after  volley  of  musketry  told 
that  the  work  of  death  had  begun. 

The  enemy  rushed  from  their  line  of  battle,  after  their  second  volley, 
into  the  intrenchment  formed  by  the  creek,  and  behind  trees,  logs,  etc., 
opened  fire  upon  the  Union  lines,  which  was  promptly  answered  by 
their  forces,  armed  with  carbines,  by  a  continued  fire.  Major  Torrence 
now  ordered  his  men  forward  with  revolver  and  sabre,  to  make  a  charge 
oil  the  camp ;  and  with  a  yell  running  wildly  along  their  lines  they 
advanced,  in  the  face  of  the  enemy's  fire,  and  rushed  into  their  camp. 
So  great  was  the  eagerness  to  move  forward,  that  three  companies 
claimed  the  honor  of  being  first  in  camp. 

The  enemy  now  gave  way  tumultuously,  and  ran  from  their  camp, 
leaving  guns,  horses,  camp  equipage,  powder,  and  a  large  quantity  of 
new  clothing  for  men  in  Price's  array.  It  was  a  complete  rout,  as  the 
appearance  of  the  camp  fully  attested.  It  was  now  nearly  dark,  with  a 
heavy  fog,  and  fearing  that  the  enemy  had  only  retired  as  a  ruse  to  rally 
and  come  to  the  attack  again,  the  order  was  given  to  destroy  the  whole 
camp  and  equipage.  The  work  of  destruction  was  soon  complete — 
wagons,  saddles,  tents,  blankets,  clothing,  etc.,  were  gathered  up,  flung 
on  the  fires,  and  soon  became  one  heap  of  burning  ruins.  The  Federals 
now  looked  up  their  dead  and  wounded,  and  cared  for  them.  The  ene- 
my's dead  lay  in  all  portions  of  the  camp,  and  the  groans  of  their  dying 
mingled  with  the  exultant  shouts  of  the  victors.  It  was  a  fearful 
struggle,  as  the  soldiers  all  knew  that  they  never  could  retreat,  and  it 
was  victory  or  death  to  them.  The  cool  courage  and  gallant  bearing 
of  the  officers  in  command,  were  worthy  of  Americans. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  12  killed,  22  woimded  and  15  prisoners. 
That  of  the  Federals  3  killed  and  10  wounded. 


BATTLE    OF    MILL   SPRING.  255 

BATTLE  OF  MILL  SPRDTG,  AT  LO&AH'S  OEOSS-KOADS,  KY. 

'  Sunday,  January  19,  1862. 

This  battle  was  the  first  of  the  series  of  splendid  triumphs  that  oc- 
curred early  in  the  year  1862,  which  resulted  in  severe  losses  to  the 
rebel  armies  of  the  West,  both  in  men  and  material.  It  was  the  first 
breach  in  their  well-planned  line  of  defence,  by  which  the  right  wing  of 
the  Confederate  army  of  the  West  was  broken,  and  their  great  stronghold 
at  Bowling  Green,  the  centre  of  their  operations,  laid  open  to  the  ad- 
vancing army  of  the  Union. 

After  the  discomfiture  of  Zollicoffer  in  his  attack  on  the  camp  of 
General  Schoepf,  at  Camp  Wildcat,  on  the  21st  of  October,  he  left  two 
regiments  to  defend  the  post  at ,  Cumberland  Gap,  and  occupied  a 
position  on  the  Cumberland  river,  opposite  Mill  Spring,  at  the  mouth 
of  White  Oak  Creek.  Here  he  was  engaged  in  fortifying  this  most  advan- 
tageous natural  position,  arid  in  recruiting  and  organizing"  an  army, 
which  was  now  formidable  in  numbers,  and  whose  frequent  forays  had 
rendered  his  name  a  terror  to  the  loyal  inhabitants  of  that  region. 

The  rebel  stronghold  was  familiarly  known  among  the  inhabitants  as 
"  ZollicofTer's  Den."  It  was  situated  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Cumber- 
land, where  it  is  intersected  by  White  Oak  Creek.  The  country  for 
two  miles  from  the  river  is  entirely  clear,  and  broken  into  hills  of  im- 
posing altitude.  Six  of  these-  hills,  forming  a  picturesque  range,  com- 
manded each  other  and  the  entire  approach  to  the  camp  for  miles 
around.  *  On  these  hills  Zollicoffer  had  raised  breastworks  and  redoubts. 
The  south  side  of  the  river,  commanding  the  entire  camp,  was  also  well 
fortified. 

On  the  6th  of  January  the  rebel  Major-General  George  B.  Crittenden, 
commanding  the  division  to  which  ZoUicoffer's  brigade  was  attached, 
arrived  at  Mill  Spring,  and  established  his  headquarters.  He  brought 
to  his  position  three  Tennessee  and  one  Mississippi  regiment,  and  was 
afterwards  reinforced  by  three  regiments  from  Bowling  Green,  and 
Btill  more  recently  by  some  fifteen  hundred  Virginia  troops  from  Knox- 
ville.  This  gave  him,  all  told,  over  ten  thousand  men.  A  very  effec- 
tive portion  of  his  force  was  a  body  of  cavalry,  from  two  thousand  to 
three  thousand  strong,  in  which  he  was  superior  to  General  Thomas, 
but  which  was  of  no  service  to  him  in  the  engagement. 

General  Buell,  the  Federal  commander  in  Kentucky,  having  now  at 
his  disposal  a  competent  army  to  commence  offensive  operations,  or- 
dered General  Thomas  to  advance  with  his  division  against  General 
Crittenden's  position  at  Mill  Spring.  With  two  brigades  under  his 
command  General  Thomas  broke  up  camp  near  Lebanon  and  marched,  by 


256  THE   WAE  FOB  TOE   DNIOIf. 

■way  of  Columbia,  toward  the  rebel  stron;;hold.  On  Thursday,  the  16th 
of  January,  the  Ninth  Ohio  (German),  Colonel  McCook,  brother  of  the 
General  in  command  at  Mumfordsville,  the  Second  Minnesota,  Colonel 
NTan  Clear ;  Tenth  Indiana,  Colonel  Manson ;  Fourth  Kentucky,  Colonel 
(formerly  Judge)  Fry  of  Danville,  and  Colonel  Wolford's  Kentucky 
Cavalry,  and  one  battery,  with  General  Thomas  and  staff,  arrived  after 
a  most  fatiguing  march  of  many  days.  They  came  in  incessant  rain,  over 
horrid  roads,  via  Jamestown,  at  a  point  about  eight  miles  south-west  of 
Somerset,  on  the  road  leading  to  Hart's  Ford,  and  the  rebel  intrenchments, 
and  pitched  their  tents  near  a  fork  of  country  roads,  upon  what  is  known 
all  through  that  section  as  "  Logan's  place,"  a  very  extensive  plantation 
of  several  thousand  acres.  On  Friday,  the  Fourteenth  Ohio,  Colonel 
Stedman,  and  the  Tenth  Kentucky,  Colonel  Ilarlan,  three  detached 
co<npanies  of  the  First  regiment  of  Michigan  Engineers  and  Mechanics, 
and  an  Ohio  battery,  reached  within  eight  miles  noith-west  of  the  posi- 
tion of  General  Thomas.  After  undergoing  indescribable  hardships  in 
making  their  way  on  a  direct  line,  through  the  wild,  rugged,  heavily- 
timbered,  and  almost  untravelled  country  intervening  between  that 
point  and  Columbia — (they  had  to  construct  a  road  as  they  went)— they 
encamped  there.  ^ 

General  Schoepf's  command  was  stationed  at  the  time  the  above  seven 
and  a  half  regiments  arrived  at  a  short  distance  south-west  of  Somer- 
set. It  comprised  the  Seventeenth,  Thirty-first,  Thirty-fifth  and  Thirty- 
eighth  Ohio,  the  Twelfth  Kentucky,  Colonel  Haskins,  the  First  and  Sec- 
ond Tennessee  regiments,  some  companies  of  cavalry,  and  two  batteries. 
On  Saturday  morning,  in  accordance  with  orders  received  the  i)revious 
evening,  that  part  of  General  Schoepf's  command  constituting  General 
Carter's  brigade,  consisting  of  the  Twelfth  Kentucky,  the  First  and 
Second  Tennessee,  and  Captain  W.  E,  Standards  battery,  left  their 
camps,  with  twenty-four  hours'  rations,  and  proceeded  five  miles  on  the 
Columbia  road  to  Fishing  Creek,  where  they  halted,  awaiting  further 
orders.  At  five  o'clock  they  were  ordered  to  join  General  Thomas' 
main  body  at  Logan's  Place.  In  crossing  the  swollen  creek  the  water 
reached  to  the  waists  of  the  men.  Owing  to  the  wretched  condition 
of  the  road,  they  did  not  reach  their  point  of  destination  until  midnight. 

Simultaneously  with  the  above,  three  regiments  and  a  battery,  the  bal- 
ance of  General  Schoepf's  command,  with  the  exception  of  the  Thirty- 
eighth  Ohio,  advanced  over  another  road  leading  out  from  Somerset  in 
a  south-easterly  direction  to  Fishing  Creek,  which  they  found  risen  so 
high  as  to  render  it  almost  impossible  to  cross.  After  much  exertion,  a 
rope  was  finally  stretched  across,  holding  on  to  which  Yhe  men  slowly 
managed  to  get  over.  At  nightfall  only  one  regiment,  however,  had 
landed  on  the  other  side,  and  while  the  remainder  were  crossing  on  the 


BATTLE    OF   JIILIv   SPRING.  257 

morning  of  the  battle,  orders  came  from  General  Thomas  that  their 
assistance  was  no  longer  needed,  and  the  brigade  retraced  their  steps  to 
Somerset. 

During  this  time  a  heavy  storm  came  on,  and  torrents  of  rain  contin- 
ued to  pour  upon  the  devoted  troops.  General  Thomas'  immediate 
command  was  tolerably  well  protected;  but  General  Carter's  brigade 
had  started  without  tents,  and  hence  were  completely  exposed  to  the 
drenching  rain  and  chilling  wind.  Every  man  in  the  brigade  was 
soaked  to  the  skin  before  Logan's  Place  was  reached,  and  during  the 
remainder  of  Saturday  night  the  poor  fellows  lay  on  the  wet  ground 
sheltered  only  by  the  dripping  woods. 

On  the  morning  of  the  fight  the  regiments  posted  on  Logan's  farm 
were  distributed  as  follows :  on  the  right  of  the  road  to  Hart's  Ford, 
facing  toward  the  river,  were  the  Ninth  Ohio  and  Second  Minnesota ; 
directly  opposite  them,  on  the  left,  lay  General  Carter's  brigade ;  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  south-east  of  it  were  the  Fourth  Kentucky,  Tenth 
Indiana,  and  two  batteries — the  Tenth  Indiana  occupying  the  most  ad- 
vanced position.  In  front  of  the  last  mentioned  regiment  were  en- 
camped about  one  hundred  and  twenty  of  Wolford's  Cavalry,  the  bal- 
ance of  the  regiment  being  off  on  escort  duty ;  about  two  and  a  half 
miles  further  south  was  the  outmost  Union  picket — twenty  of  Wolford's 
cavalry,  the  Fourteenth  Ohio  and  Tenth  Kentucky  being  still  encamped 
eight  miles  to  the  north-east.  It  is  thus  seen  that  the  Federal  force 
advanced  upon  by  the  jebels  included  no  more  than  seven  infantry 
regiments,  the  detached  Michigan  companies,  one  hundred  and  forty 
cavalry,  and  two  batteries. 

The  main  characteristics  of  the  battle-ground  are  steep,  bluff-like  hills, 
and  abrupt  narrow  ravines.  The  only  Comparative  levels  are  formed 
by  the  undulating  ridges  of  the  former.  Logan's  Place  extends  over 
one  of  the  most  extensive  of  these,  and,  with  its  large  cleared  fields, 
afforded  the  best  field  for  a  battle  that  could  have  been  found  in  many 
miles  around.  The  whole  country  is  covered  with  a  thick  growth  of 
timber,  except  where  the  husbandman  had  cleared  it  away.  The  roads 
were  but  a  succession  of  rugged  little  hills,  tiring  to  the  footman  and 
taxing  the  wagoner's  skill  to  the  utmost  in  the  best  weather. 

According  to  the  statements  of  persons  subsequently  captured,  Zolli- 
coffer's  original  force  did  not  exceed  six  thousand  in  number,  which  had 
been  increased  to  ten  thousand,  comprising  ten  regiments  of  infantry, 
about  three  thousand  cavalry,  and  fifteen  pieces  of  artillery.  On  Satur- 
day morning  information  was  brought  to  General  Crittenden  by  seces- 
sion sympathizers,  living  near  Somerset,  of  the  proposed  movement  of 
General  Carter's  brigade.  The  rebel  commander  had  learned  that 
General  Thomas'  division  was  on  the  march  to  Somerset,  but  was  not 
17 


258  THE   WAK   FOn   THE    UNION. 

aware  that  it  had  already  arrived ;  and  supposing  that  General  Carter's 
command  was  merely  setting  out  for  scouting  purposes,  conceived  a 
plan  of  falling  upon  it  with  his  whole  force.  The  plan  being  communi- 
cated to  ZoUicoffer,  he  strenuously  objected  to  any  demonstration  out- 
side of  their  intrenchments.  His  superior,  however,  insisted  upon  the 
project — bold  and  creditable  enough,  if  not  based  upon  wrong  premises — 
and  hence  the  whole  rebel  army  moved  out  of  the  fortifications  shortly 
after  dark.  Owing  to  the  difficulty  of  working  their  artillery  ahead,  it 
took  them  until  3  a.  m.  to  come  within  one  mile  of  the  Union  pickets. 
Here  they  halted  and  rested,  in  a  deluge  of  rain.  At  six  o'clock 
they  renewed  their  march,  and  their  cavalry  advance  guard  came  up 
with  Wolford's  men.  Supposing  them  to  be  only  a  foraging  party,  the 
Union  dragoons  attacked  and  drove  them  back.  Perceiving,  however, 
masses  of  infantry  down  the  road,  they  sent  word  to  General  Thomas, 
and  then  retreated  to  their  camp.  The  squadron  was  quickly  mounted 
and  rode  towards  the  enemy;  but,  discovering  his  overwhelming 
strength,  fell  back,  dismounted,  and  joined  the  Tenth  Indiana,  and 
afterwards  actively  participated  in  the  fight. 

Companies  K  and  I,  of  the  Tenth  Indiana,  Captains  Shortsr'and 
Perkins,  were  detailed  as  pickets  in  advance  of  their  regiment,  and 
were  first  attacked  by  the  advancing  rebels  at  half  past  six  o'clock,  and 
with  the  assistance  of  Company  A,  Captain  Hamilton,  all  under  Major 
Miller,  gallantly  held  the  enemy  in  check,  until  supported  by  the  re- 
mainder of  the  regiment. 

In  twenty  minutes  after  General  Thomas  was  apprised  of  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy,  his  whole  force  was  under  arms,  and  eagerly 
awaiting  the  onset.  The  Tenth  Indiana,  Second  Minnesota  and  the 
dismounted  cavalry  pushed  forward  a  short  distance  from  their  encamp- 
ment in  an  open  field  to  a  piece  of  timber,  and  the  Fourth  Kentucky 
took  a  position  in  the  woods  on  the  left.  The  Tenth  Indiana  having  the 
lead,  was  within  musket  range  of  the  rebels  just  before  eight  o'clock, 
and  now  the  battle  fairly  commenced. 

At  least  six  regiments  formed  the  rebel  right,  and  pressed  first  on  the 
Tenth  Indiana ;  but  this  brave  regiment  had  learned  the  fighting  metal 
of  the  enemy,  at  Rich  Mountain,  in  Western  Virginia,  and  could  not  be 
made  to  yield  an  inch  even  to  such  fearful  odds.  Fortunately  protected 
somewhat  by  the  trees  from  the  hostile  fire,  they  stood  steadily,  pouring 
volley  after  volley  into  the  rebels ;  responding  to  their  yells  with  defiant 
cheers ;  fighting,  fojxr  times  their  number  for  nearl/  an  hour  and  a 
half,  and  never  yielding  an  inch,  in  spite  of  a  constant  and  fearful  hail 
of  lead,  until  their  ammunition  became  exhausted;  when  they  were 
ordered  to  give  way  to  the  Second  Minnesota.  This  they  did  with 
composed  and  imbroken  ranks,  bringing  off  their  dead  and  wounded. 


BATTLK    OF   MILL   SPRING.  259 

whose  number  was  a  mournful  proof  of  the  fearful  trial  they  had 
undergone. 

Some  thirty  minutes  after  the  Tenth  Indiana  had  opened  the  contest, 
the  Fourth  Kentucky  engaged  the  rebels  on  the  left  of  tJie  former, 
and  displayed  coolness  and  firmness  most  remarkable,  in  view  of  the  fact 
that  it  had  never  before  been  under  fire.  It  also  had  to  contend  against 
superior  numbers,  but  maintained  its  formation,  and  did  not  allow  the 
rebels  to  gain  a  foot  of  ground.  The  men  cheered  each  other,  and  in 
their  ardor  came  within  short  range  of  the  enemy,  to  whose  irregular 
fire  they  replied  with  great  vigor  and  effect.  Colonel  Fry  inspired  all 
under  him  by  his  courageous  conduct.  Up  arid  down  the  line  of  his 
command  he  moved,  urging  his  Kentuckians  on  under  a  shower  of 
bullets. 

Meantime,  the  Second  Minnesota  fulfilled  the  trust  left  to  it  by  the 
Tenth  Indiana.  The  stalwart  farmers  and  lumbermen  that  composed  it 
performed  the  duty  allotted  to  them  deliberately  and  with  perfect  suc- 
cess. They  loaded  and  fired  with  ease  and  calmness,  and  seemed  to 
think  no  more  of  the  work  they  were  doing  than  of  handling  a  plow  or 
plying  an  axe. 

The  widely-renowned  Ninth  Ohio  did  not  join  in  the  bloody  strife  in 
its  earliest  stages.  At  about  half-past  eight,  however,  its  impatience  for 
the  fray  was  at  last  gratified,  and  it  appeared  upon  the  stage  in  solid  line 
of  battle,  moving  measuredly,  and  with  the  confident  and  determined 
air  of  veterans,  through  a  broad,  open  field  on  the  right  of  the  road,  to 
within  two  hundred  yards,  and  began  a  fire  upon  some  rebel  regiments 
that  were  firing  from  behind  a  fence,  Avith  regularity  and  precision.  It 
held  the  right  alone  while  the  action  continued. 

The  rebels  succeeded  in  bringing  a  battery  of  their  artillery  in  position 
about  nine  o'clock,  and  opened  upon  the  Federal  troops  shortly  after- 
ward with  solid  and  hollow  shot.  Their  balls  and  shells  all  went  high 
over  the  Union  soldiers,  not  one  of  whom  owed  his  death  or  wound  to 
the  rebel  artillery. 

Captains  Kinney's,  Standart's,  and  Whetmore's  Ohio  batteries  were 
brought  into  position,  and  rendered  effective  service  whenever  an  oppor- 
tunity offered.  In  the  heat  of  the  engagement  Captain  Kiuney  ordered 
one  section  of  his  battery  within  sixty  yards  of  the  enemy's  line,  and 
opened  a  deadly  fire  upon  them,  which  added  greatly  to  the  success  of 
the  day. 

The  battle  was  now  at  its  height,  and  the  effect  of  the  artillery,  roar- 
ing through  the  conflict,  with  the  crash  of  shells  and  sharp  whistle  of 
bullets,  was  increased  by  a  storm  that  had  broken  out  in  the  mornii  g, 
and  new  poured  a  deluge  of  rain  on  the  combatants.  For  a  time,  the 
lightnhig  of  heaven  vied  in  sharpness  with  the  flash  of  artillery,  and  roll- 


200 


niB  WAE  FOB  THE   UKION. 


ing  bursts  of  tliunder  went  booming  over  the  mountains,  giving  terrible 
effect  to  the  whole  scene. 


BATTUe  or  HILL  SPRINO. 


Amid  this  storm,  the  opposing  lines  of  battle  were  several  times  car- 
ried so  close  to  each  other  that  the  fight  was  urged  on  with  a  hand-to- 
hand  encounter,  and  the  commanders  on  both  sides  came  in  dangerous 
contiguity  with  the  foe. 

Up  to  eleven  o'clock,  the  fighting  was  confined  almost  entirely  to  an 
exchange  of  lead  and  iron.  The  Union  right  and  left  would  advance  on 
the  enemy,  fire,  and  fall  back.  Then  the  Secession  forces  would  advance, 
exchange  shots,  eacli  side  holding  its  own  ground  and  no  more. 

Tlie  Fourteenth  Ohio  and  Tenth  Kentucky,  sent  for  as  soon  as  the 
alarm  had  been  given,  being  reported  to  General  Thomas  coming  up 
with  their  batt-ery  from  their  encampment  on  the  Columbus  road,  on  a  , 
full  run,  he  at  last  determined  to  bring  matters  to  an  issue.  He  directed 
General  Carter  to  flank  the  enemy's  right  with  his  regiments,  which  had 
been  restive  all  the  morning  under  the  necessity  of  remaining  idle 
spectators. 

But  before  this  movement  could  be  made,  the  heroes  of  the  Ninth 
Ohio  had  already  decided  the  battle.  Colonel  McCook  (by  the  way  the 
only  American  in  the  regiment)  had  his  horse  shot  under  him,  and  was 
himself  wounded,  but  nevertheless  continued  in  command.  About  eleven 
the  patience  of  the  regiment  became  exhausted,  and  the  Colonel  gave  the 
order  to  advance.  It  was  received  with  a  hurrah.  Steadily  and  com- 
pactly the  coluuin  moved  over  the  two  hundred  yards  separating  it 


BATTLE    OF   MILL   SPRING.  261 

fron.  the  enemy.  When  within  thirty  yards  of  the  foe  the  order  was 
given  to  "  charge  bayonets,"  and  in  an  instant  the  moving  human  wall 
bristled  with  bayonets  and  pressed  forward  in  quick  step.  The  rebels 
looked  aghast  at  a  sight  they  had  never  witnessed  before.  A  Tennes- 
see regiment  on  their  extreme  left  fired  a  random  volley  and  broke. 
A  Mississippi  regiment — the  same  that  held  the  fence  already  men- 
tioned— hesitated  a  few  moments  longer.  But  the  triumphant  shout 
from  the  Germans,  and  the  bristling  array  of  pointed  steel  was  too  much 
for  them.  In  an  instant,  those  of  the  enemy  between  the  fence  and  the 
Federals,  with  the  exception  of  a  few,  who  were  bayoneted,  had  scram- 
bled over  and  fled  in  A\-ild  disorder. 

Colonel  S.  S.  Fry,  of  the  Fourth  Kentucky,  was  in  the  act  of  leading 
his  regiment  into  a  charge  upon  the  Mississippians,  when  General  Zol- 
licofFer,  accompanied  by  his  aid,  rode  up  to  him  and  said,  "  You  are  not 
going  to  fight  your  friends,  are  you  ?  These  men  (pointing  to  the  Mis- 
sissippians) are  all  your  friends."  In  the  mean  time  Zollicoffer's  aid 
fired  upon  Colonel  Fry,  wounding  his  horse,  from  which  wound  the 
animal  died.  Colonel  Fry  then  turned  and  fired  upon  ZollicofFer,  with 
fatal  effect.  General  Z.  evidently  labored  under  the  impression  that 
Colonel  Fry  was  a  rebel  officer.  They  had  never  met  before,  nor  did 
Colonel  Fry  know  the  position  of  the  ofiicer  upon  whom  he  fired,  as  the 
evidences  of  his  rank  were  covered  by  a  cloak  which  General  Zollicofier 
wore  in  battle. 

From  this  moment  the  battle  was  won.  The  rebels  in  front  of  the 
Union  left  had  grown  dispirited  by  the  news  of  Zollicofler's  fall, 
and  their  fire  was  slackening.  When  they  saw  the  breaking  of  their 
left  wing,  they  faltered  and  commenced  retreating.  The  Tenth  Kentucky, 
Fourteenth  Indiana,  and  two  batteries  Avere  immediately  pushed  after 
them.  But  the  speed  of  the  enemy  increased,  and  although  the  Union 
troops  followed  in  quick  step,  they  could  only  manage  to  come  within 
range  of  his  rear,  to  which  they  gave  from  time  to  time  parting  salutes 
with  rifle  balls  and  shells.  The  pursuit  was  continued  to  within  a  mile 
of  the  intrenchments,  when  owing  to  the  close  approach  of  night,  the 
victors  stopped  and  made  themselves  as  comfortable  as  possible  on  the 
northern  declivity  of  a  hill  overlooking  the  fortifications. 

Rain  was  still  faUing,  and  although  all  were  greatly  fatigued  from  the 
labors  of  the  day,  but  few  sought  repose  on  the  soaked  ground.  Tho 
excitement  of  the  battle  kept  the  majority  awake,  and  the  uncomfort- 
able night  was  spent  in  the  discussion  of  the  stirring  events  of  the  pre- 
ceding hours,  by  the  immense  camp-fires,  which  burned  brightly  in  defi- 
ance of  the  drifting  rain. 

With  daybreak  some  of  the  Federal  guns  were  got  into  a  position 
commanding  the  rebel  intrenchments,  and  were  soon  hurling  shells  upon 


262  THE   WAR   FOB   THB   UNION. 

them.  Crowds  of  the  enemy  were  seen  hurrying  down  the  hill  toward 
the  landing,  and  the  little  ferry-boat  was  rapidly  steaming  to  and  fro, 
carrying  bodies  of  men,  the  last  of  the  Confederates  on  the  right  bank 
of  the  river.  No  response  being  elicited,  the  infantry  was  ordered  for- 
ward, the  Tenth  Kentucky  in  the  advance.  With  lusty  cheers  the 
troops  rushed  down  the  road  and  up  the  hills  crowned  by  fortifications, 
and  climbing  over  the  barricades  of  logs,  obstructing  the  approaches  on 
all  sides,  the  Kentuckians  were  in  a  few  minutes  on  the  parapet,  shout- 
ing, jumpmg,  and  waving  their  hats  and  muskets.  Hardly  five  minutes 
more  elapsed  when  the  rebel  camp  teemed  with  thousands  of  soldiers, 
frantic  with  excitement. 

The  rebels  literally  saved  nothing  but  what  they  wore  on  their  persons. 
Eight  of  their  guns,  including  two  Parrot  20-pounders,  with  caissons 
and  ammunition,  were  left  behind,  together  with  nearly  a  thousand 
stand  of  arms,  and  hundreds  of  boxes  of  cartridges,  1,700  horses  and 
mules,  a  drove  of  cattle,  100  wagons,  with  harness,  vast  quantities  of 
commissary  and  quartermasters'  stores,  some  twenty  bales  of  blankets 
and  quilts,  atid  the  personal  effects  of  officers  and  men. 

The  enemy  left  all  their  dead  and  many  of  their  wounded  behind 
them,  five  of  their  surgeons,  however,  remaining.  One  hundred  and 
fifteen  of  their  killed,  including  Zollicoffer,  and  about  120  of  their 
wounded  were  found  on  the  field,  and  150  prisoners  taken.  Their 
entire  loss  must  have  been  much  greater.  The  Federal  loss  was  39 
killed  and  207  wounded. 

Taken  as  a  whole  it  was  one  of  the  fairest  contested  battles  and  most 
glorious  victories  of  the  wai* — one  in  which  the  Western  troops  fully 
sustained  their  reputation  for  untlinching  courage  and  stern  determiujl- 
tion  never  to  yield,  no  matter  how  great  the  force  opposed  to  them. 


INVESTMENT    OP    POET    PULASKI,    GA. 

Jaitoart  27,  1862. 

Tybee  Island,  lying  at  the  mouth  of  Savannah  river,  immediately 
bdlow  Fort  Pulaski,  on  Cockspur  Island,  was  occupied  by  Federal 
troops  very  shortly  after  the  capture  of  Port  Royal  by  Commodore 
Dupont,  the  Flag-officer  of  the  South  Atlantic  blockading  squadron.  It 
was  late  in  December,  however,  before  a  garrison  was  established  there. 
This  was  the  first  step  toward  the  investment  of  Fort  Pulaski,  whose 
heavy  embrasures  frowned  in  stern  defiance  at  the  Federal  fleet  invest- 
ing the  harbor. 

Late  in  December,  from  his  headquarters  at  Tybee  Island,  an  island 


INVESTMENT   OF   FORT  PUU^SKI.  268 

forming  the  eastern  shore  of  Calibogu#  Sound,  and  lying  north  of  Sor 
vannah  harbor,  General  Sherman,  commanding  the  army  in  this  district, 
had  dispatched  several  reconnoitering  parties  to  explore  the  small  rivers, 
creeks  and  inlets  Avhich  intersect  each  other  at  various  points  on  the  left 
of  the  Savannah  river,  forming  the  series  of  islands  which  dot  the  map 
of  the  harbor.  A  well  grounded  hope  was  entertained  that  an  inside 
channel  would  be  discovered,  connecting  with  the  Savannah  river,  of 
sufficient  depth  to  float  the  gunboats  to  a  point  on  that  river  far  above 
Fort  Pulaski. 

In  order  to  understand  the  nature  of  the  reconnoissance,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  have  a  clear  apprehension  of  the  geography  of  the  country. 
Savannah  is  about  fifteen  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  on  the 
right  or  southern  bank.  Approach  to  it  by  water  is  defended  by  Fort 
Pulaski,  a  casemated  fort  on  Cockspur  Island,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river, 
and  Fort  Jackson,  a  barbette  fort  on  the  mainland,  only  four  miles  below 
the  city.  The  left  bank  is  formed  by  a  succession  of  islands,  and  the 
channel  also  is  interrupted  by  large  and  numerous  islands,  the  most  im- 
portant of  which  is  Elba,  whose  upper  extremity  is  immediately  oppo- 
site Fort  Jackson.  Lower  down  in  the  stream  is  Long  Island.  The 
network  of  creeks  and  bays  that  surrounds  Hilton  Head  terminates 
southward  in  Calibogue  sound,  which  is  divided  from  the  Savannah 
river  at  its  mouth  by  Turtle  and  Jones  Island.  The  waters  that  form 
two  sides  of  Jones  Island,  which  is  triangular  in  shape,  are  called  Mud 
and  Wright  rivers ;  the  latter  is  the  southernmost,  and  separates  Jones 
from  Turtle  Island,  which  lies  next  to  Dawfuskie  Island,  the  western 
shore  of  Calibogue  sound.  The  islands  on  the  Savannah  are  all  very 
low  and  marshy,  overgrown  by  high  grass,  and  frequently  Avithout  a 
solitary  shrub  or  tree ;  they  are  all  liable  to  be  submerged  by  a  very 
high  tide.  Jones  Island  is  a  broad,  marshy,  uninhabited  island,  five 
miles  above  the  fort,  not  more  than  five  miles  long,  by  two  or  three 
broad.  About  half  way  between  its  upper  and  lower  angles,  and  front- 
ing on  the  Savannah,  is  Venus  Point. 

This  first  reconnoissance  was  undertaken  by  Lieutenant  J.  H.  "Wilson, 
of  the  topographical  engineers.  Taking  with  him  two  boats  and  a  com- 
pany of  Rhode  Island  soldiei's,  together  with  his  negro  oarsmen  and 
pilots,  he  started  on  the  dangerous  expedition,  making  all  the  necessary 
explorations  by  night,  while  his  boats  were  hidden  by  the  tall  grass  on 
the  marshy  and  swampy  shores  he  traversed.  To  the  rear  of  Jones 
Island  he  discovered  a  canal  called  Wall's  Cut,  connecting  the  Mud  and 
Wright  rivers,  the  former  em.ptyiag  into  the  Savannah  six,  and  the 
latter  two  miles  above  Fort  Pulaski.  The  navigation  of  Wall's  Cut  had 
been  obstructed  by  three  rows  of  piles,  driven  across  its  entire  width 
by  the  rebels,  but  at  high  tide  the  boats  were  got  over  these  obstruc- 


s 

264  THE  WAB  FOB  THE   UNIOW. 

tioDS,  and  soon  after  .floated  on^the  waters  of  the  Savannah,  at  night, 
unobserved  by  the  rebels.  The  feasibility  of  traversing  this  route  with 
the  gunboats  had  been  demonstrated,  but  the  movement  was  betrayed 
to  the  rebels  before  the  plan  could  be  consummated. 

A  reconnoissance  in  force,  tnrough  a  corresponding  series  of  channels 
on  the  right  of  the  Savannah  river,  was  then  determined  on,  and  Captain 
C.  II.  Davis  was  dispatched  with  the  gunboats  Ottawa,  Lieutenant- 
Commanding  Stevens ;  Seneca,  Ammen ;  and  the  steamers  Isaac  Smith, 
Nicholson ;  Potomska,  Watmough ;  P211en,  Budd ;  Western  World, 
Gregory ;  in  company  with  the  transports  Cosmopolitan,  Delaware  and 
Boston,  having  on  board  the  Sixth  Connecticut,  Fourth  New  Hamp- 
shire, Ninety-seventh  Pennsylvania;  in  all  twenty-four  hundred  men, 
commanded  by  Brigadier-General  II.  G.  Wright.  Commander  C.  R.  P. 
Rodgers  accompanied  the  expedition. 

Captain  Davis  sailed  from  Port  Royal  harbor  on  the  2Gth  of  January, 
and  anchored  in  Warsaw  Sound  the  same  evening.  The  next  morning 
he  entered  the  Little  Tybee  river,  or  Freeborn  Cut,  and  at  halPpast 
one  passed  up  that  river  above  Fort  Pulaski,  and  within  long  range  of 
the  rebel  guns,  but  was  unmolested,  as  they  were  not  prepared  for  an 
enemy  on  that  side.  After  passing  the  high  land  on  Wilmington  Island, 
the  principal  one  on  their  route,  they  were  arrested  by  a  heavy  double 
row  of  piles,  driven  across  the  channel.  The  island  was  now  carefully 
explored,  and  found  to  have  been  deserted.  The  launches  were  also 
dispatched  to  examine  the  numerous  creeks  leading  to  the  river,  and  to 
explore  the  main  stream.  At  five  o'clock  five  rebel  steamers  made  their 
appearance  in  the  Savannah  river  to  reconnoitre  the  proceedings  of  the 
Federal  fleet.  At  this  hour  Captain  Ammen  made  his  way  through  the 
marsh  and  ^cut  the  telegraph  wire  communicating  with  Fort  Pulaski. 

Captain  John  Wright,  who  had  been  dispatched  by  Flag-ofticer  Du- 
pont  with  a  number  of  gunboats  up  the  Wright  river  on  the  left  -of  the 
Savannah,  by  the  route  previously  explored,  made  his  appeai-ance  on 
Tuesday,  the  28th,  and  by  means  of  the  new  army  signals  communica- 
tion was  opened  between  the  two  fleets.  At  eleven  o'clock,  the  rebel 
steamers  again  made  their  appearance  in  the  Savannah,  and  attempted 
to  pass  below  the  fort,  when  a  spirited  engagement  commenced  between 
them  and  the  two  Federal  fleets.  Three  of  the  rebel  steamers  succeeded 
in  passing,  but  the  other  two  were  driven  back  disabled. 

The  attempt  to  reach  the  Savannah  river  with  the  gunboats  having 
been  abandoned,  measures  were  undertaken  to  blockade  the  river,  and 
interrupt  communication  between  Fort  Pulaski  and  Savannah,  by  land 
approaches,  and  the  establishment  of  batteries  on  the  banks  of  the  river. 
It  was  resolved  to  erect  a  battery  on  Jones'  Island,  ^le  rear  of  which 
could  be  reached  by  the  national  flotilla.    The  first  attempt  waa  made 


INVESTMENT    OF   FORT   PUTASKI.  265 

on  the  ni^ht  of  February  7th,  but  owing  to  storms  and  other  canses,  it 
was  not  successful.  A  few  days  after,  General  Sherman  issued  orders 
for  a  second  expedition  to  Jones'  Island,  and,  if  practicable,  erect  a 
battery  there,  so  as  to  command  the  Savannah  river.  This  was  to  be 
done  without  the  assistance  of  the  naval  forces. 

The  expedition  was  placed  under  the  command  of  Brigadier-General 
Viele,  and  consisted  of  the  Forty-eighth  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel 
Perry,  two  companies  of  volunteer  engineers,  and  two  companies  of  the 
Third  Rhode  Island  artillery.  The  troops,  with  six  large  guns,  (thirty- 
two  pounders,)  were  embarked  in  flatboats  at  Dawfuskie  Island,  and  in 
tow  of  light-draught  steamboats.  The  expedition  reached  Jones  Island, 
a  preliminary  reconnoissance  was  made  of  all  the  points  on  the  island, 
and  a. site  at  Venus  Point  was  selected  for  the  erection  of  a  fortification. 
The  swampy  character  of  the  soil  seemed  to  forbid  the  landing  of  troops 
on  the  island,  much  more  to  erect  batteries  and  mount  heavy  guns 
thereon.  It  was  determined,  however,  to  erect  the  battery  at  the  point 
alrea'dy  designated,  and  to  carry  the  guns  a  distance  of  a  mile  through 
the  swamp.  To  facilitate  matters.  Colonel  Perry  undertook  the  con- 
struction of  a  corduroy  road  from  the  place  where  the  troops  landed  on 
the  Mud  river  side  of  Jones  Island  to  Venus  Point.  The  road  was  con- 
structed, and  by  the  untiling  labor  of  the  troops,  the  guns  were  at  last 
placed  in  battery. 

While  the  construction  of  the  road  was  going  on,  another  detachment 
of  Colonel  Perry's  regiment  attempted  to  erect  breastworks  to  cover 
the  guns.  The  mud,  as  fast  as  it  was  piled  up  for  the  battery,  slipped 
and  sunk  away ;  but  the  platforms  were  laid  and  the  guns  mounted. 
The  guns  were  landed  on  a  wharf  made  of  bags  filled  with  sand,  and 
long  planks  laid  across  them.  Tramways  were  laid  along  the  marsh, 
constructed  of  planks  thirty  feet  long,  placed  in  parallel  lines ;  two  sets 
of  these  parallels  were  used  for  each  gun,  and  as  fast  as  the  pieces  were 
taken  over  one  set,  it  was  taken  up  and  placed  still  further  in  advance. 
Holes  were  drilled  in  the  planks,  and  ropes  looped  through  the  holes,  so 
that  the 'planks  might  be  more  easily  dragged  by  the  troops.  In  this 
manner  the  guns  were  conveyed  across  Jones  Island  to  the  chosen  posi- 
tion. Colonel  Perry,  Lieutenant  J.  H.  Wilson,  of  the  United  States 
Engineers,  and  Lieutenant  Horace  Porter,  of  the  Ordnance  Department, 
superintended  the  removal  of  the  guns.  On  the  first  night  the  heavy 
guns  were  dragged  two  hundred  yards.  The  second  night  the  work 
proceeded,  and  the  guns  were  dragged  the  remainder  of  the  route,  and 
before  morning  all  were  in  position.  The  work  of  tugging*  the  guns 
was  performed  entirely  by  the  Forty-eighth  New  York  regiment,  com- 
manded by  Colonel  Perry.  In  the  morning  a  rebel  gunboat  came  down 
•the  river  to  reconnoitre,  and  doubtless  was  amazed  to  find  tbo  Federal 


266  THB  WAB  FOB  THE  XTKION. 

fort  confronting  her ;  but  by  hngging  the  western  shore  she  was  enabled 
to  pass  the  guns  on  Jones  Island  without  serious  injury.  This  demon- 
strated the  necessity  of  another  battery  on  the  west  end  of  Bird  Island, 
in  the  middle  of  the  river  opposite,  which  was  subsequently  erected, 
and  the  river  thus  effectually  blockaded.  On  the  15th,  four  rebel  gun- 
boats attacked  the  batteries  on  Venus  Point,  Jones  Island,  but  were  all 
driven  back,  and  one  of  them  disabled. 

By  the  erection  of  these  batteries  Fort  Pulaski  was  cut  off  from  all 
supplies  and  reinforcements ;  and  General  Hunter  now  commenced  the 
erection  of  batteries  for  the  reduction  of  the  fort. 


NEW    MEXIOO   AND   ARIZONA. 

The  comprehensive  scheme  of  the  rebel  leaders  was  not  confined  to 
the  mere  occu])ancy  of  the  Cotton  States,  or  the  entire  section  of  the 
Union  south  of  the  Ohio  river,  but  included  within  its  future  all  the  vast 
domain  west  of  the  Mississippi  and  south  of  Kansas.  The  restoration  of 
peace,  and  the  independence  of  the  Southern  Confederacy,  would  then 
enable  it  to  carry  its  victorious  arms  into  IVfbxico,  and  a  vast  empire 
would  be  erected,  subject  to  the  control  of  the  Confederate  government. 
In  order  to  accomplish  these  purposes  with  the  greatest  promptitude,  it 
was  determined  to  take  possession  of  New  INIexico  and  Arizona  at  an 
early  day,  and  bodies  of  armed  men  were  dispatched  from  Texas  upon 
this  errand. 

They  reached  the  Territories  during  the  month  of  July,  1 861  ^  one  por- 
tion of  the  invading  force  entering  Arizona,  and  the  other  took  their 
line  of  march  toward  Santa  Fe,  in  New  Mexico,  under  the  command  of 
Brigadier-General  11.  H.  Sibley.  There  was  no  military  organization  of 
the  inkahitatita  of  either  New  Mexico  or  Arizona  to  favor  the  rebel  cause, 
excepting,  perhaps  a  very  few  recent  emigrants  from  Texas  or  other 
Southern  States,  who  joined  the  invading  forces — the  naft'vM  Vere  for 
the  most  part  loyal. 

Fort  Fillmore,  then  under  command  of  Major  Lynde,  of  the  United 
States  army,  who  had  seven  himdred  regulars  for  its  defence,  was  sur- 
rendered? or  betrayed  on  August  2d,  to  a  force  of  Texan  troops  inferior 
to  his  own.  The  men  were  paroled,  and  finally  brought  to  the  east, 
where  they  were  stationed  by  the  Government  at  various  posts  on  the 
northern  lakes.  Subsequently  Forts  Davis,  Bliss  and  Stanton  were 
easily  captured  by  the  rebel  chieftains.  Tlie  want  of  military  organiza- 
tion among  the  people,  their  unprotected  towns,  and  the  scarcity  of  arms, 


BATTLE    OF   VALVENDE.  267 

prevented  any  effective  resistance,  and  they  were  compelled  to  submit  to 
the  invasion,  while  waiting  anxiously  for  the  relief  which  they  felt  assur- 
ed the  Government  wouW.  send. 

At  length  the  Governor  of  New  Mexico,  Henry  Connelly,  issued  a 
vigorous  and  stirring  proclamation,  on  the  9th  of  September,  calling  upon 
the  citizens  to  enrol  themselves  for  the  defence  of  their  homes  against 
the  invaders,  who  were  coming -to  subdue  them  to  the  rule  of  the  Texan 
authorities.  He  ordered  an  organization  of  the  militia  in  the  several 
counties  of  the  State,  and  the  Adjutant-General  was  instructed  to  carry 
the  orders  into  effect. 

■  On  the  9th  of  November,  New  Mexico  was  constituted  a  military  de- 
partment, and  Colonel  E.  R.  S.  Canby,  of  the  United  States  army,  was 
appointed  to  the  command.  Colohel  Canby  immediately  entered  upon 
his  duties,  and  pushed  his  work  with  so  much  energy,  that  by  the  end 
of  December  he  had  retaken  Forts  Craig  and  Stanton.  Federal  forces 
also  held  Fort  Massachusetts  to  the  north,  and  Fort  Union,  on  the 
southeast  of  Santa  Fe,  the  capital  of  the  Territory. 

On  the  2d  of  December,  the  Legislature  assembled,  and  the  Governor 
recommended  the  adoption  of  measures  to  secure  the  loyal  adhesion  of 
such  of  the  Indian  tribes  as  had  not  been  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  the 
Confederate  agents.  While  loyal  to  the  Government  in  their  sentiments, 
they  found  themselves  apparently  cut  off  from  its  protection  and  support, 
under  the  circumstances  in  which  they  were  placed ;  and  pressed  on  all 
sides,  they  were  somewhat  divided.  While  some  remained  loyal,  and 
were  willing  to  enlist  in  the  Federal  service,  others  joined  the  Confed- 
erates ;  but  the  great  body  desired  to  pursue  a  course  which  would  be 
entirely  neutral. 

On  the  30th  of  December,  General  Sibley,  the  rebel  commander,  issued 
a  proclamation  from  his  head-quarters,  notifying  the  people  that  he  took 
possession  of  New  Mexico  in  behalf  of,  and  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Confederate  States.  He  declared,  that  "  by  geographical  position,  by 
similarity  of  institutions,  by  commercial  interests,  and  by  future  des- 
tinies. New  Mexico  pertains  to  the  Confederacy."  General  Sibley  also 
declared  the  United  States  tax  laws  abolished. 


BATTLE    OP   VALVENDE.  *^ 

February  21,  1862. 

Colonel  Canby  had  no  intention  of  remaining  inactive  while  the  rebel 
leader  was  thus  earnestly  endeavoring  to  persuade  the  people  into 
willing  submission  to  Confederate  power,  or  of  j>ermitting  him  by  an 
apparent  triumph  to  exercise  his  authority  for  the  subversion  of  the 


268  THE  WAE  FOK  THB  UNIOK. 

legitimate  government.  He  accordingly  prepared  for  the  important 
business  of  expelling  him  from  the  territory,  determined  to  accomplish 
this,  whatever  effort  it  might  involve.  The  rebels,  on  tlieir  way  through 
the  territory,  followed  the  valley  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  consequently 
would  be  obli^d  to  pass  Fort  Craig.  At  this  place  Colonel  Canby  re- 
solved to  dispute  their  advance.  His  force  was  composed  in  part  of 
United  States  regulars,  and  in  part  of  New  Mexican  volunteers.  With 
these  he  descended  the  river  to  meet  the  invaders.  They  were  informed 
of  hrs  approach,  and  on  the  19th  crossed  the  river  in  order  to  take  a 
position  on  the  other  side,  from  which  they  could  shell  the  fort,  and  ob- 
tain command  of  the  stream  above  it,  by  which  movement  they  could  cut 
off  his  communications.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  19th,  Colonel  Canby 
ordered  the  detachments  of  the  Fifth,  Seventh  and  Tenth  United  States 
Infantry,  under  Captains  Selden  and  Wingate,  and  Colonels  Carson's 
and  Pino's  regiments  of  volunteers  to  cross  the  river  and  occupy  an  ele- 
vation opposite  the  fort,  which  would  otherwise  be  ajjpropriated  by 
the  rebels.  On  the  afternoon  of  the  20th,  Captain  McKac's  battery 
and  the  cavarly  under  Major  Duncan  were  ordered  to  cross  the  riven^ 
and  w^ere  brought  into  position.  The  enemy  were  thus  cut  off  from  the 
river,  and  suffered  from  want  of  water.  Their  mules  were  so  much  ex- 
hausted that  it  was  found  necessary  to  double  the  teams  in  order  to 
draw  the  wagons ;  but  this  resort  at  last  failed,  and  the  animals  gave 
out  entirely.  The  rebels  finding  the  desperate  strait  to  which  they 
were  reduced,  opened  a  heavy  cannonade  upon  the  Federal  troops. 
Being  protected  by  the  elevations  between  them  and  th'e  enemy,  the 
Union  troops  suffered  no  injury,  except  one  man,  who  was  wounded  by 
a  fragment  from  a  ball,  which  struck  a  rock,  and  was  shattered  by  the 
blow.  The  night  closed  on  the  antagonists.  About^  two  hundred 
mules  were  captured  by  the  Union  scouts,  and  a  number  of  wagons 
burned. 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  at  about  eight  o'clock.  Colonel  Canby 
ordered  Colonel  Roberts,  with  his  cavalry,  Colonel  Valdez's  cavalry, 
Colonel  Carson'e  volunteers,  the  regular  infantry,  and  Captain  McRae's 
and  Lieutenant  IlaU's  batteries  to  proceed  up  the  west  bank  of  the  Rio 
Grande,  and  prevent  the  Texans  from  reaching  the  water,  at  the  only 
point  where  the  river  was  fordable  by  the  sloping  banks.  This  position 
tSAeven  miles  north  of  the  fort,  and  when  Colonel  Roberts'  com- 
mand reached  it,  he  found  that  the  enemy  had  gained  the  water  first. 
Colonel  Roberts  immediately  opened  his  batteries  upon  them,  on  which 
they  retreated  with  a  loss  of  twenty -five  or  thirty  killed,  and  one  cannon. 
The  gun  was  dismounted,  spiked,  and  rendered  unfit  for  use.  Colonel 
Roberts  then  crossed  the  river,  and  held  his  position  until  the  issue  of 
the  battle  was  decided. 


BATTLE   OF  VALVENDE.  269 

After  one  o'clock  Colonel  Canby  came  upon  the  gi  5und  with  his 
staff,  followed  by  Colonel  Pino's  regiment  of  volunteers,  and  took  the 
command  in  person.  Up  to  this  time  the  lighting  had  been  principally 
with  the  batteries.  Captain  McRae's  battery  occupied  the  left,  and 
Lieutenant  Hall's  battery  the  right  of  the  line.  On  the  left  flank,  and 
within  about  a  hundred  yards  of  McRae's  battery,  was  a  piece  of  woods, 
where  bodies  of  the  enemy  were  seen  to  collect,  but  out  of  range  of  the 
guns.  Two  companies  of  regulars  and  two  companies  of  volunteers 
were  assigned  to  support  this  battery.  Lieutenant  Hall's  guns  were  to 
be  supported  by  the  cavalry  and  Colonel  Carson's  volunteers. 

Thus  disposed.  Colonel  Canby  intended  to  make  an  advance,  when 
suddenly  a  brisk  fire  of  musketry  was  opened  towards  the  right  of  the 
field.  This  was  entirely  unexpected,  but  the  object  was  soon  discov- 
ered to  be  a  ruse  to  divert  attention  from  an  attempt  Avhioh  was  im- 
mediately made  to  take  the  batteries.  Advancing  to  the  front,  in  two 
divisions,' the  enemy  rushed  on  and  made  their  charges  against  the  bat- 
teries in  the  most  determined  and  gallant  manner.  The  charge  against 
Lieutenant  Hall's  battery  Avas  made  by  the  cavalry,  who  dashed  forward 
with  an  unbroken  front,  in  the  face  of  the  destructive  fir6  to  which  they 
were  exposed.  Standing  true  to  their  posts,  the  experienced  gunners 
worked  their  pieces  with  such  deadly  effect,  that  the  enemy  was  ap- 
palled by  the  carnage,  and  compelled  to  retire  from  the  field. 

The  charge  upon  McRae's  battery  was  made  on  foot,  and  was  never 
surpassed  for  the  cool  and  delibei'ate  determination  with  which  the  rebel 
infantry  pressed  forward  undismaj'ed  to  their  work.  The  iron  hail 
belched  forth  from  the  guns  swept  through  their  ranks,  opening  a  path- 
way through  the  columns,  which  closed  up  and  moved  onward,  appar- 
ently heedless-  of  the  losses  they  sustained.  Volley  after  volley  from 
the  batteries  poured  destruction  on  the  advancing  foe.  But  still  they 
came  on  steadily  under  the  fire,  pouring  forth  in  return  volley  upon 
volley,  and  closing  with  their  revolvers  and  bayonets,  until  the  last 
brave  man  was  shot  down  while  standing  faithfully  by  his  gun.  During 
all  this  time  the  New  Mexicans  remained  inactive,  and  when  once  con- 
vinced of  the  danger  they  were  in,  fled  in  haste,  leaving  the  thrice  heroic 
McRae  alone  Avith  his  gunners,  Avho  fell  one  by  one  till  he  stood  alono 
before  the  enemy.  When  this  fearless  man  saw  that  he  was  utterly 
abandoned,  he  sat  down,  with  sublime  coolness,  on  one  of  his  useli^ss 
guns,  with  his  face  to  the  enemy,  waiting  for  the  glorious  death  Avhich 
soon  came  to  his  relief  A  ball  struck  him  on  the  forehead,  and  he  fell 
by  the  gun  his  courage  had  defended  to  the  last. 

Captain  Plimpton's  regulars  stood  their  ground  and  fought  until  one- 
half  their  number  were  wounded,  or  dead  and  dying  on  the  field,  when 
they  were  compelled  to  retire. 


270  THE   WAn   FOK   THE   UXION, 

When  the  battery  was  lost,  the  day  was  decided  in  favor  of  the 
enemy,  and  the  Federal  forces  retreated  to  Fort  Craig. 

Colonel  Canby  had  in  the  engagment  about  1,500  men,  consisting  of 
regulars  and  volunteers.  The  force  of  the  enemy,  under  Colonel  Steele, 
was  from  1,500  to  2,000.  Our  loss,  according  to  the  best  information, 
was  60  or  60  killed,  and  about  140  wounded.  The  loss  of  the  enemy 
was  estimated  at  from  100  to  200  killed  and  wounded.  Captain  Ros- 
sel,  of  the  regulars,  was  taken  by  the  Texans,  his  horse  having  been 
drowned  in  crossing  the  river. 


THE  BATTLE  OF  APAOHE  OAUON. 

Maech  28,  18G2. 

The  immediate  consequence  of  the  battle  of  Valvende  was  that  the 
insurgents  marched  directly  past  Fort  Craig,  which  for  want  of  men 
and  provisions  they  were  powerless  to  invest  or  capture,  direct  on  Albu- 
querque and  Santa  Fe,  which  fell  into  their  power  without  resistance. 
Albuquerque  was  the  depot  of  United  States  Government  stores,  Vnost 
of  which  was  removed  on  the  advance  of  the  insurgents,  and  the  rest 
destroyed.  The  occupation  of  Santa  Fe  was  followed  by  the  proclama- 
tion of  a  provisional  government,  which  Ijowever  never  entered  into 
practical  operation.  Fort  Craig  still  remained  in  the  rebel  rear,  and 
Fort  Union  in  the  possession  of  the  national  troops,  on  the  northeast, 
from  which  direction  reinforcements  might  be  expected.  The  policy 
of  the  insurgents  was  therefor*  either  to  capture  Fort  Union  before 
relief  could  arrive,  or  maintain  their  position,  isolating  Fort  Craig 
until  that  post  should  be  compelled  to  surrender  for  want  of  supplies. 

Meantime,  news  of  the  critical  condition  of  affairs  having  reached  the 
Colorado  territory  and  Kansas,  troops  Avere  at  once  organized  to  go  to 
the  relief  of  the  threatened  positions.  By  forced  marches,  scarcely 
paralleled  in  history,  a  Colorado  regiment  950  strong,  under  Colonel 
Hough,  reached  Fort  Union  on  the  13th  of  March.  Here  he  gathered 
around  him  all  the  troops  available,  or  possible  to  obtain,  and  marched 
for  Santa  Fe,  to  give  battle  to  the  invaders.  The  latter  moved  their 
forces  forward  to  meet  him.  The  numbers  on  both  sides  were  nearly 
equal — between  1,200  and  1,500.  They  met  at  a  point  called  Apache 
Pass.  ^ 

The  main  fight  took  place  at  Apache  Canon,  eighty  miles  from  Fort 
Union,  and  twenty  miles  from  Santa  Fe.  Three  battalions,  one  under 
Major  Chivington,  one  under  Captain  Lewis,  and  one  under  Captain 
WjTikoop,  advanced  to  the  canon,  on  the  2Sth,  when  the  pickets  re- 
ported no  enemy  in  sight.    The  command  then  advanced,  when  shots 


5^^* 


PIGHT  AT   BLOOMING   GAP.  273 

were  fired  at  them  by  the  Texans,  who  were  in  ambush  and  succeeded 
in  killing  four  privates.  The  Union  men,  under  Hough,  rushed  on 
them,  killing  20  or  30  Texans,  wounding  many  of  them,  and  taking 
seven  prisoners,  four  ofiicers  and  three  privates.  Major  Chivington's 
command,  which  went  ahead  and  surprised  the  Texan  pickets,  taking 
67  prisoners,  and  64  provision  wagons,  now  arrived,  and  a  plan  of 
action  was  determined  upon.  It  was  to  meet  the  enemy  in  front  and 
flank  them  at  the  same  time. 

About  12  o'clock  they  advanced,  and  the  action  became  general,  the 
Coloradans  doing  wonders.  The  batterj-  under  Captain  Ritter,  and  also 
the  howitzer  battery  under  Lieutenant  Claflin,  swept  the  Texans  from 
the  field.  The  fight  lasted  until  four  o'clock,  when  flags  of  truce  were 
interchanged  to  bury  the  dead  and  care  for  the  wounded.  The  enemy 
had  about  2,000  men  and  one  6-pounder.  The  Unionists  had  1,300  men, 
one  six  and  one  12-pounder,  and  four  howitzers.  The  enemy  lost  their 
entire  train  (64  wagons  and  provisions),  230  mules,  about  150  killed, 
200  wounded  and  93  taken  prisoners,  among  whom  were  13  ofiicers. 

The  Texans,  when  surprised,  supposed  it  was  Colonel  Canby's  force 
that  was  coming.  The  Texan  oflBcer  in  command,  with  two  of  his  com- 
panies, made  several  attempts  to  charge  on  the  Union  men  and  seize  their 
batteries,  but  they  were  each  time  repulsed,  with  tremendous  loss,  while 
daring,  noble  deeds  were  performed  by  the  Federal  soldiers.  At  one  time, 
the  Texan  companies  charged  within  a  few  yards  of  the  Union  batteries. 

The  defeat  at  Apache  Pass  proved  an  effectual  check  on  the  invaders, 
and  so  far  weakened  their  forces  as  to  compel  their  abandonment  of  the 
territory,  and  its  complete  restoration  under  the  national  authority. 

The  enemy  fled  into  Arizona,  where  they  found  it  useless  to  remain, 
and  applied  to  the  authorities  of  Mexico  for  permission  to  cross  their  ter- 
ritory on  their  return  home,  but  were  refused ;  they  however  succeeded 
in  reaching  Texas.  A  reinforcement  of  Federal  troops  soon  after  arrived 
in  New  Mexico. 


TIGHT  AT  BLOOMING  GAP,  VA. 

Februart  14,  1862. 

To  General  F.  W.  Lander's  brigade  had  b(en  assigned  the  perilous 
duty  of  protecting  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad  at  Cumberland,  Md., 
and  the  various  towns  and  strategic  points  in  Virginia  within  a  radius 
of  forty  or  fifty  miles  from  that  centre,  at  several  of  which  his  troops 
were  quartered. 

On  the  13th  of  February,  Lander  received  information  that  a  brigade 
of  rebels  under  General  Carson  had  occupied  Blooming  Gap,  a  strong 
18 


274  THB  WAB  FOR  THB  UNIOK. 

pass  in  the  mountains  seven  miles  beyond  the  Cacapon  river,  whose 
turbid  waters,  swollen  by  the  storms  of  winter,  were  deemed  an  impas- 
sable barrier  to  the  advance  of  the  Federal  forces.  No  bridge  spanned 
the  torrent,  and  the  blackened  buttress  and  crumbled  pier  gave  evidence 
that  the  incendiary  torch  had  been  at  work. 

Lander  was  then  at  Pawpaw  Tunnels,  on  the  Maryland  shore  of  the 
Potomac,  a  station  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  midway  between 
Hancock  and  Cumberland,  with  a  small  force.  He  immediately  marched 
to  New  Creek,  in  Hampshire  county,  Va.,  to  join  the  detachment  of 
troops  at  that  point,  where  he  also  hastily  concentrated  all  his  available 
command.  Taking  twenty  wagons  loaded  with  lumber,  he  proceeded  to 
a  point  on  the  Cacapon  river,  seven  miles  south  of  the  railroad,  and  be- 
tween the  hours  of  nine  and  one  o'clock  at  night  he  improvised  a  bridge 
one  hundred  and  eighty  feet  long,  by  placing  the  wagons  in  the  river 
as  a  foundation,  over  which  he  marched  his  force  of  four  thousand  men, 
and  advanced  upon  the  enemy's  pickets  before  the  dawn  of  day. 

With  five  hundred  of  the  First  Virginia  cavalry,  under  Colonel 
Anastanzel,  he  had  designed  to  charge  through  the  rebel  camp  at  the 
Gap,  and  then  form  immediately  in  his  rear,  cut  off  the  retreat,  and 
capture  the  whole  force,  after  the  Federal  infantry,  following  up  the 
cavalry  charge,  should  have  completed  the  discomfiture  of  the  enemy. 
But  tlie  rebels  had  retired  before  Lander's  approach ;  and  when  led  by 
the  General  and  his  staff,  the  cavaby  flew  through  the  Gap  and  beyond 
it,  they  met  with  no  opposition.  Colonel  Anastanzel  was  at  once  ordered 
to  push  forward  on  the  Winchester  road  with  the  cavalry,  reconnoitre, 
and,  if  possible,  overtake  and  capture  the  baggage  of  the  enemy. 

General  Lander  meantime  brought  up  Colonel  Carroll  with  the  Eighth 
Ohio  regiment,  and  the.  Seventh  Virginia,  Colonel  Evans,  for  a  support. 
Colonel  Anastanzel  encountered  the  enemy  at  the  head  of  the  pass,  two 
miles  from  Blooming.  He  was  met  by  a  sharp  fire,  and  halted  his 
command.  On  hearing  the  firing,  General  Lander  came  up  and  led  the 
charge,  followed  by  Major  Armstrong,  Assistant  Adjutant-General ; 
Lieutenants  Fitz-James  O'Brien,  the  well-known  poet  of  his  staff,  and 
Major  Bannister,  Paymaster  U.S.A.,  who  had  volunteered  for  the 
expedition.  A  group  of  rebel  officers  were  distant  about  three  hundred 
yards,  encouraging  their  men.  General  Lander  being  the  best  mounted, 
outran  the  rest  of  the  party,  and  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  rebel  officers. 
»  Surrender,  gentlemen,"  he  said,  coolly  dismounting,  and  extending 
his  hand  to  receive  the  sword  of  Colonel  Baldwin,  over  whom  an  instant 
before  he  had  appeared  to  be  riding. 

Five  of  the  rebel  officers  surrendered  to  General  Lander,  and  four 
others  immediately  afterward,  to  the  officers  of  his  staff,  among  them 
the  Assistant  Adjutant-General  of  General  Carson. 


EAST  TENNESSEE.  275 

By  this  time  the  rebel  infantry,  perceiving  the  small  number  of  their 
adversaries,  commenced  a  heavy  fire  from  the  woods,  but  the  cavalry 
had  recovered  from  its  panic,  and  now  rushed  up  the  hill.  General 
Lander  ordered  Anastanzel  to  charge  up  the  road,  and  capture  the  bag- 
gage of  the  enemy.  The  cavalry  dashed  forward,  and  the  advance  guard 
soon  overtook  and  turned  fifteen  wagons  and  horses  out  of  the  road. 
Colonel  Evans  now  came  up  with  his  regiment  of  infantry,  and  captured 
many  more  of  the  rebels.  Colonel  Carroll  cleared  the  road  as  he  went, 
both  infantry  regiments  behaving  admirably,  following  and  engaging 
the  enemy  to  the  last,  imtil  ordered  back.  The  pursuit  was  continued 
eight  miles. 

The  result  of  this  affair  was  the  capture  of  eighteen  commissioned 
officers,  and  forty-five  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates.  Thirty- 
three  of  the  rebels  were  killed  and  wounded,  with  a  loss  on  the  Union 
side  of  seven  killed  and  wounded. 

During  this  engagement  Lieutenant  Fitz- James  O'Brien  was  shot 
mortally  while  in  advance  of  his  comrades,  and  like  the  author-soldier 
"Winthrop,  immortalized  his  name  with  the  sword,  as  he  had  before 
proved  himself  great  with  the  pen. 

General  Dunning,  of  Lander's  command,  returned  to  New  Creek  the 
same  day  from  an  expedition  to  Moorfield,  forty  miles  south  of  Romney, 
having  captured  225  beef  cattle  and  4,000  bushels  of  corn.  In  a  skir- 
mish two  of  his  men  were  wounded,  and  several  rebels  killed. 


EAST  TEMESSEE  UNDEE  OOKFEDEKATE  EULE. 

iThe  history  of  the  world  has  never  exhibited  more  exalted  devotion 
to  an  idea,  nor  a  more  splendid  patriotism  than  that  of  the  people  of 
East  Tennessee.  We  may  almost  challenge  the  records  of  religious  his- 
tory to  produce  anything  more  like  holy  enthusiasm,  than  the  lofty  inspi- 
ration which  has  characterized  these  people.  In  no  country,  and  among 
no  class  can  be  found  more  heroic  persistence  or  unfaltering  adherence 
to  principle  than  has  exalted  the  patriotism  of  this  region.  With  many 
inhabitants  of  the  eastern  portion  of  the  State,  loyalty  qnd  devotion  to 
the  Union  became  in  truth  a  part  of  their  religion. 

The  rebel  leaders  knew  that  they  had  very  little  sympathy  in  East 
Tennessee,  and  took  measures  to  crush  out  aU  Union  sentiment  with  the 
iron  heel  of  military  despotism.  Any  expression  of  sympathy  with  the 
Union  cause,  any  co-operation  of  its  inhabitants  with  the  loyalists,  either 
for  their  own  protection  or  for  the  aid  of  the  Government,  was  punished 
as  a  crime.  The  presses  of  that  part  of  the  State  had  all  been  silenced 
or  converted  to  their  own  use  by  the  Secessionists,  with  one  exception. 


276  THE   WAB   FOB  THE   UinON. 

The  Knoxville  Whig  remained  true  to  the  Union.  Its  vigorous  defence 
of  the  Government,  its  exposures  and  denunciations  of  the  rebel  leaders, 
its  unsparing  invective  against  the  rebellion,  and  its  bold,  defiant  appeals 
to  the  people,  rang  like  a  clarion  through  the  hills  and  valleys  of  East 
Tennessee,  and  as  the  echo  gathered  from  thousands  of  loyal  voices, 
it  made  itself  heard  through  all  the  valleys  and  mountain  passes  of  that 
noble  border  State.  , 

The  heroic  editor  of  this  paper  was  not  to  be  silenced  either  in  his 
voice  or  his  press  without  a  vigorous  struggle.  The  Rev.  Wm.  G. . 
Brownlow  had  learned  how  to  denounce  and  how  to  endure,  for  that  is  a 
lesson  most  Methodist  clergymen  are  called  upon  to  learn ;  and  being 
brave  in  deeds  as  well  as  words,  he  stood  forth  in  defence  of  the  coun- 
try he  loved,  when  she  greatly  needed  the  power  of  his  eloquence  and 
the  strength  of  his  arm.  The  popularity  "vvhich  this  man  had  won  by  his' 
uprightness,  his  courage,  and  firm  adherence  to  the  Constitution,  gave 
his  opinions  a  force  that  made  him  an  object  of  peculiar  iniportance  to 
the  enemy — yet  they  hesitated  to  lay  violent  hands  upon  a  man  whose 
words  were  more  potent  than  their  bayonets. 

He  was  frequently  threatened  by  soldiers  passing  through  Knoxville 
from  other  States,  yet  none  dared  to  execute  their  threats.  Ilis  fam- 
ily were  inspired  with  the  same  lofty  heroism,  and  on  one  occasion  when 
a  company  of  rebels  came  to  his  house  to  haul  down  the  Stars  and 
Stripes,  which  was  kept  floating  over  his  domicil,  one  of  his  daughters 
stepped  out  to  meet  them,  and  by  her  courage  and  decision  protected 
the  flag. 

The  suppression  of  this  _^ undaunted  advocate  of  the  Union,  and 
faithful  and  fearless  witness  against  secession,  became  an  inevita- 
ble necessity;  and  at  last,  in  the  hope  that  he  would  at  least  become 
silent  on  political  afiairs,  it  was  resolved  to  offer  him  the  alternative  of  the 
oath  of  allegiance  or  the  cell  ^f  a  prison.  He  chose  the  latter,  and  in  a 
valedictory  to  his  readers,  published  October  26,  which  must  ever  be 
memorable  for  its  heroic  defence  of  the  Union,  its  bold  denunciation  of 
the  rebels  and  their  course,  he  announced  to  his  readers  the  suspension 
of  his  paper.  This  remarkable  address,  which,  under  the  circumstances, 
rises  to  the  sublime  in  its  moral  courage,  closed  with  these  words: 

"Exchanging,  with  proud  satisfaction,  the  editorial  chair  and  the 
Bweet  endearments  of  home  for  a  cell  in  the  prison,  or  the  lot  of  an 
exile,  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.  William  G.  Brownlow." 

Mr.  Brownlow  was  sent  to  prison,  and  for  months  occupied  a  room 
with  several  other  patriots  who  preferred  imprisonment  to  denial  of  the 
government  they  loved.  Here  he  was  in  daily  expectation  of  being  led 
forth  to  execution.    Though  suffering  from  ill-health  he  was  no  way 


EAST  TENNESSEE.  277 

daunted  by  the  darr  fate  that  threatened  him.  Nor  were  these  antici- 
pations groundless,  for  during  his  stay  there,  many  a  brave  man  left 
that  prison  to  meet  a  violent  death,  and  he  had  no  reason  to  expect  a 
happier  destiny. 

During  the  closing  months  of  the  summer  and  fall  the  hopes  of  the 
people  were  excited  by  promises  of  aid  from  the  government.  Loud 
and  earnest  appeals  were  made/for  help,  and  with  the  energy  of  despair 
the  people  clung  to  their  principles,  through  every  species  of  persecu- 
tion,  robbery,  arson,  and  imprisonment.  Hundreds  were  hung  or  assas- 
sinated, and  the  records  of  Tennessee  are  among  the  most  heart-rending 
that  this  war  for  the  Union  will  leave  to  posterity. 

The  position  of  the  rebel  armies  in  western  Tennessee  was  at  that 
time  very  strong,  but  the  importance  of  keeping  their  lines  of  communi- 
cation open  with  the  Atlantic  States  was  great,  and  thoroughly  under- 
stood by  the  loyalists.  To  cut  these  lines  was  to  th§  Federals  a  work 
of  pressing  necessity ;  and  in  view  of  the  probable  redemption  of  East 
Tennessee,  the  loyalists  organized,  and  on  the  night  of  November  8 
they  destroyed  several  bridges,  and  broke  the  lines.  Two  of  these  were 
on  the  Georgia  State  road,  two  on  Chickamanye  Creek,  Hamilton 
county,  and  one  on  the  East  Tennessee  and  Georgia  railroad,  on  Hia- 
wassee  river,  Bradley  county.  Besides  these,  two  bridges  on  the  East 
Tennessee  and  Georgia  railroad  on  Lick  Creek,  Green  County,  and 
another  on  Holstein  river,  were  also  burned.  The  rebels  were  thrown 
into  consternation  by  these  events,  and  their  leaders  took  the  most  active 
measures  to  arrest  and  punish  the  perpetrators.  A  correspondence  be- 
tween some  of  the  prominent  men  ensued,  and  a  large  portion  of  the 
letters  was  discovered  among  other  papers  and  effects  captured  after 
the  battle  of  Mill  Spring,  which  took  place  on  the  19th  of  January, 
1862,  This  correspondence,  in  which  the  names  Colonel  William  B. 
Wood  und  General,  F.  K.  Zollicoffer  appear,  prove  that  the  majority  of 
the  people  were  unalterably  for  the  Union,  a*d  that  they  could  only  be 
restrained  by  the  most  oppressive  and  cruel  measures.  Colonel  Wood 
wrote  to  J.  P.  Benjamin,  the  Secretary  of  War,  asking  what  disposition 
should  be  made  of  the  bridge-burners,  to  which  Mr.  Benjamin  replied — 
"  All  such  as  can  be  identified  as  having  been  engaged  in  bridge-burning 
are  to  be  tried  summarily  by  drum-head  court-martial,  and  if  found 
guilty,  executed  on  the  spot  by  hanging.  It  would  be  well  to  leave 
their  bodies  hanging  in  the  vicinity  of  the  burnt  bridges." 

The  loyalists  were  encouraged  in  their  cause  by  the  devotion  of  Hon. 
Andrew  Johnson,  U,  S.  Senator,  and  Hon,  Horace  Maynard,  M.  C,  for 
Tennessee,  whose  eloquent  and  powerful  appeals,  and  confident  assur- 
ances of  aid,  cheered  the  hearts  of  the  people. 

Thousands  of  East  Tennesseeans  escaped  by  night,  wandering  along 


278  THE    TVAR   FOR   TIIU    UXIOX. 

unfrequented  roads,  until  they  reached  Kentucky,  where  they  organized 
resriments,  under  the  direction  of  the  Federal  commanders.  Tlieir  cher- 
ished  desire  Avas  to  return  to  their  own  State,  with  a  powerful  array, 
and  redeem  their  soil.  The  atrocity  of  the  rebel  guerrillas  drove  them 
almost  to  a  passion  of  revenge,  and  when  disappointed  at  the  announce- 
ment that  their  time  had  not  come,  and  that  they  must  await  a  more 
favorable  condition  of  the  army,* hundreds  of  them,  when  ordered  to  re- 
treat from  the  border  lines  of  their  State,  strayed  from  the  ranks,  de- 
spairing and  heart-sick,  and  falling  down  by  the  way,  wept  bitterly.  Sev- 
eral of  them,  exhausted  by  hard  labor  and  forced  marches,  never  rose 
again,  but  were  afterwards  found  dead  on  the  road  to  Mount  Vernon. 

On  the  26th  of  November  the  house  of  a  gentleman  named  Bell  was 
attacked  by  an  armed  party  of  the  enemy  and  set  on  fire.  The  inmates, 
a  large  family  of  nine  persons,  were  consigned  to  the  flames.  Two  alone 
of  the  whole  household  escaped  this  horrible  fate. 

On  the  29th  a  band  of  twenty-one  Union  prisoners  at  Nashville  were 
compelled  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  enter  a  company  in  the 
rebel  army. 

Leadbett^r,  the  secession  commander  in  East  Tennessee,  had  his 
headquarters  at  Greenville,  and  on  the  30th  of  November  issued  a  pro- 
clamation promising  protection  and  pardon  to  all  who  would  lay  down 
their  arms  and  submit  to  the  Confederate  government.  From  this 
clemency  he  excepted  bridge-burners  and  destroyers  of  raUroad  tracks. 
He  closed  his  proclamation  with  the  assurance  that  "  they  will  be  tried 
by  drumhead  court-martial,  and  be  hung  on  the  spot."  This  terrible 
order  was  put  into  execution  a  few  days  afterward.  Jacob  M.  Ilems- 
lier  and  Henry  Fry,  two  Unionists,  being  tried  and  pronounced  guilty 
of  these  oifences,  were  hung. 

The  days  of  hope  for  the  Unionists  were  weary  and  prolonged,  but 
deliverance  was  drawing  nigh.  The  loyal  men  of  the  western  part  of 
the  State  organized  to  oppose  the  measures  of  the  leaders,  and  early  in 
January  a  bold  resistance  was  made  in  Carroll,  Weakly,  McNairy,  and 
other  counties,  against  the  conscription  act.  Rebel  troops  were  sent 
into  these,  .counties  to  compel  submission,  and  enforce  obedience. 

The  defeat  and  death  of  Zollicoffer,  the  breaking  up  of  his  army,  and 
the  destruction  of  his  stronghold,  at  last  gave  a  brilliant  promise  to 
these  persecuted  people  that  their  deliverance  was  drawing  nigh.  This 
event,  succeeded  in  a  few  weeks  by  the  capture  of  Fort  Henry,  Fort 
Donelson,  the  evacuation  of  Bowling  Green  and  Columbus,  and  the 
occupation  of  Nashville,  filled  every  true  heart  with  rejoicing,  and  the 
good  old  flag  onco  more  swept  its  folds  freely  over  the  houses  of  East 
Tennessee. 

The  appointment  of  Hon.  Andrew  Jolmson  as  military  governor  of 


■i'':>mil.Ma>  f 


CAPTURE   OI'   FORT   HENET.  281 

Tennessee  was  greeted  with  enthusiasm  by  the  people.  His  reputation 
and  conservative,  principles  were  a  guarantee  for  the  character  of  his 
administration,  and  lie  soon  began  to  rally  to  his  support  the  wavering 
and  timid  of  the  people  who  were  still  apprehensive  that  the  Confede- 
rates would  return#nd  restore  their  rule. 

Parson  Brownlow,  after  having  borne  a  long  and  severe  confi.  la- 
ment in  prison,  in  which  his  health  suffered  terribly,  was  released,  and 
sent  beyond  the  military  lines  of  the  Confec^rates.  His  reception  by 
the  Federal  guards  was  enthusiastic  and  joyous  in  the  extreme.  As 
soon  as  his  health  permitted  he  visited  several  cities  in  the  West,  whei*e 
he  was  greeted  Avith  overwhelming  demonstrations  of  popular  admira- 
tion and  respect.  On  his  arrival  at  New  York,  May  17th,  he  was 
honored  With  a  public  reception  at  the  Academy  of  Music,  which  was 
densely  filled  with  a  brilliant  audience,  eager  to  welcome  him. 


OAPTUKE  OP  POET  HENET,  TENN. 

February  6,  1862. 

The  brilliant  victory  obtained  by  General  Thomas'  army  over  the 
Confederate  forces  at  Mill  Spring,  on  the  19th  of  January,  laid  open  the 
rebel  lines  to  the  successful  advance  of  the  Federal  arms,  and  served  to 
stimulate  the  commanders  of  the  land  and  naval  forces  to  avail  them- 
selves of  the  opportunity  thus  afforded. 

Previous  to  the  battle  of  Mill  Spring,  General  Grant,  with  a  large 
force,  had  left  Cairo  and  marched  toward  Columbus,  for  the  purpose  of 
reconnoitering  the  country,  and  to  prevent  rebel  reinforcements  moving 
from  that  point  to  the  assistance  of  General  Buckner,  at  Bowling  Green, 
Ky.,  who  was  then  threatened  by  the  approach  of  General  Buell's  army. 
Upon  the  return  of  General  Grant's  division  to  Cairo,  a  combined  move- 
ment of  the  land  and  naval  forces  was  determined  on  for  the  purpose  of 
capturing  Fort  Henry,  on  the  Tennessee  river,  in  Henry  county,  Tenn., 
just  beyond  the  Kentucky  State  line. 

Fort  Henry  and  its  approaches  were  reconnoitered  on  the  21st  Janu- 
ary by  the  United  States  gunboat  Lexington,  with  a  view  to  ascertain 
its  strength  and  the  position  of  the  rebels.  She  went  within  two  miles  of 
the  fort,  and  flung  a  number  of  shells  into  it  without  eliciting  any  reply. 
At  first  it  was  thought  the  rebels  had  evacuated  the  work,  but  on  ap- 
jproaching  it  still  nearer  pickets  were  discovered  at  various  points.  The 
heavy  guns  on  the  work  were  seen  distinctly ;  also  a  number  of  field- 
pieces.  In  addition  to  the  fort  proper,  numerous  earthworks  had  been 
thrown  up  on  a  high  bluff  above  the  fort,  on  the  west  bank  of  the  river. 
This  additional  work,  named  Fort  Hieman,  commanded  Fort  Henry. 


282  THB   WAB   FOB  THB   UiaOW. 

On  the  22d  January,  Brigadier-General  C.  F.  Smith,  commanding  the 
second  division  of  General  Grant's  army,  was  at  Crown  Point,  Ky., 
where  he  had  arrived  with  6,000  men  after  a  fatiguing  march  of  over 
100  miles  from  Paducah.  lie  proceeded  thence  on  a  personal  recon- 
noissance,  on  tlie  gunboat  Lexington,  in  the  direc|^n  of  Fort  Henry. 
The  gunbcat  advanced  up  the  west  channel  of  the  river  to  a  point 
within  one  mile  and  a  half  from  the  fort.  General  Smith  obtained  an 
excellent  view  of  the  rebgl  fort,  camp  and  garrison,  and  sent  his  report 
to  headquarters.     He  then  marched  his  division  back  to  Paducah. 

The  flotilla  of  gunboats,  which  had  been  so  long  in  course  of  prepa- 
ration on  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi,  was  now  ready  to  take  part  in  the 
impending  battles  of  the  nation,  and  to  assume  that  prominence  in  the 
momentous  events  which  Avere  to  follow  to  which  they  have  proved 
themselves  justly  entitled. 

Flag-officer  Andrew  H.  Foote  was  appointed  by  the  Government 
to  command  the  naval  forces  on  the  Upper  Mississippi  and  the  West- 
em  waters,  and  now  led  forth  his  gallant  fleet  to  attack  the  enemy,  in 
conjunction  with  the  land  forces  under  General  Ulysses  S.  Grant.  The 
fleet  consisted  of 

Fleet  Officers. — Flag-Oflicer  Andrew  H.  Foote  ;  Fleet  Captain,  Com- 
modore A.  M.  Pennock ;  Ordnance  Officer,  Lieutenant  J.  F.  Sanford ; 
Ordnance  Lieutenant,  Byron  Wilson ;  Flag  Lieutenant,  James  M. 
Prickett.  JSssex,  9  ffutis,  Commander  AYilliam  D.  Porter.  St.  Louis, 
13  gunSy  Lieutenant-Commanding  Leonard  Paulding.  Cincinnati,  13 
guns,  Commander  R.  N.  Stembel.     Carondelet,  13  guns.  Commander 

Henry  Walke.    Cones  toga,  9  gu7is,  Lieutenant-Commanding Phelps. 

Tyler,  9  guns,  Lieutenant-Commanding  W.  Gwin. 

For  several  days,  at  Paducah,  the  utmost  vigilance  was  exiercised  at  the 
headquarters  of  the  Provost  Marshal,  in  issuing  passes,  and  on  Sunday 
and  Monday,  the  3d  February,  no  persons  were  allowed  in  or  out  of 
the  lines.  Half  a  dozen  gunboats  steamed  leisurely  into  port  and 
brought  their  black  forms  to  anchor  opposite  the  levee,  in  the  centre  of 
the  river. 

Monday  afternoon,  steamers  commenced  coming  up  from  Cairo,  laden 
with  troops  and  stores,  and  by  night  the  whole  landing  in  front  of  the 
town  was  crowded  with  the  arrivals.  The  fleet  which  came  up  brought 
General  Grant  and  Staff",  and  the  first  division,  under  command  of 
Brigadier-General  McClernand,  The  steamers  were  under  command 
of  Commodore  G.  W.  Graham,  and  consisted  of  the  following  boats : 
City  of  Memphis,  latan,  D.  A.  Jainiary,  Chancellor,  Alp,  "  W.  H.  B," 
New  Uncle  Sam,  Rob  Roy,  Alex.  Scott,  Minnehaha,  Illinois,  Emerald, 
and  Fanny  Bullett. 

The  first  division,  on  these  boats,  was  made  up  of  two  brigades. 


CAPTUKE   OF   FORT   HENRY.  283 

composed  as  follows,  and  commanded  by  General  John  A.  McClemand : 
— First  Brigade,  Colonel  Ogleshy,  Cvmmanding. — Seventh  Illinois,  Col- 
onel Cook :  Eighth  Illinois,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Rhoades ;  Eighteenth 
Illinois,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Lawler ;  Twenty-ninth  Illinois,  Colonel 
Reardon ;  Thirtieth  Illinois,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Dennis ;  Thirty-first 
Illinois,  Colonel  John  A.  Logan ;  Swartz's  and  Dresser's  Batteries ; 
Stewart's,  Dollins',  O.  Harnett's  and  Carmichael's  Cavalry. 

Second  Brigade,  W.  II.  L.  Wallace,  Commanding. — Eleventh  Illinois, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Hart ;  Twentieth  Illinois,  Colonel  Marsh ;  Forty- 
fifth  Illinois,  Colonel  Smith;  Forty-eighth  Illinois,  Colonel  Harney; 
Taylor's  and  McAlUster's  Batteries — in  the  latter  four  siege  guns ; 
Fourth  Illinois  Cavalry,  Colonel  Kellogg ;  Seventh  Illinois  Cavalry, 
Colonel  Dickey. 

Soon  after  arriving,  General  Grant  and  staff  paid  a  visit  to  General 
Smith,  and  had  a  conference,  in  which  it  was  determined  to  forward  the 
division  of  General  McCIernand  that  night,  and  after  landing  them  at 
some  point  below  Fort  Henry,  out  of  range  of  its  guns,  send  the  boats 
back  after  General  Smith's  division  at  Paducah.  It  was  nearly  midnight 
before  the  boats  took  their  departure. 

The  point  at  which  the  troops  were  landed  is  about  four  or  five  miles 
below  Fort  Henry,  opposite  a  small  town  in  Kentucky,  called  Bufialo. 
Immediately  at  the  place  is  a  clearing  of  about  one  hundred  acres,  sur- 
rounded on  three  sides  by  high  blufis  densely  timbered,  and  reaching 
down  to  the  river.  The  troops,  on  landing,  immediately  took  possession 
of  these  eminences,  and  planted  batteries  which  commanded  the  country 
in  every  direction,  and  then  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  remaining  forces, 
under  General  Smith. 

Tuesday  afternoon,  while  the  troops  were  disembai-king,  the  Osband 
Cavalry,  with  Carson's  and  Carpenter's  scouts  thoroughly  examined  the 
country  in  every  direction,  even  up  to  within  two  miles  of  Fort  Henry. 
Tuesday  night  was  beautiful ;  a  thousand  camp-fires  flashed  through  the 
shadows  that  lay  upon  the  amphitheatre  of  wooded  hills.  The  sky  was 
warm  and  serenely  purple,  as  if  brooding  over  the  first  sweet  blossoms 
of  May.  The  silver  crescent  of  a  new  moon  glittered  in  the  western  sky, 
shedding  a  faint  radiance  over  the  tree-tops  and  sloping  hill  sides.  AH 
at  once  the  music  of  half  a  dozen  bands  broke  through  the  stillness  of 
this  lovely  scene,  and  the  "  Star-Spangled  Banner,"  "  Red,  AYhite  and 
Blue,"  and  "  Columbia  the  Gem  of  the  Ocean,"  filled  the  night  with 
bursts  of  patriotic  music.  Then  some  dreamy  strain  followed,  hushing 
the  soldier's  heart  with  thoughts  of  "  Home,  Sweet  Home." 

On  Wednesday,  parties  were  out  reconnoitering  near  the  enemy's 
works,  and  in  one  case  a  squad  of  cavalry  went  within  a  mile  of  the  fort 
and  encountered  two  hundred  rebel  horsemen.     Both  sides  fired,  when 


284  THE  -WAB  FOB  THR  UNION. 

the  rebels  ran,  leaving  one  of  their  number  dead,  and  carrying  off  three 
severely  wounded.  One  man  on  the  Union  side  was  shot  through  the 
brain,  and  killed  instantly.  He  was  the  first  man  who  gave  up  his  life 
in  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Henry. 

It  had  been  noticed  that  a  steamer  belonging  to  the  rebels  was  busily 
engaged  in  running  from  the  fortifications  to  some  point  up  or  across 
the  river,  which  was  doubtless  bringing  in  reinforcements.  Two  of  the 
gunboats — the  Taylor  and  Conestoga,  ran  up  to  nearly  the  centre  of 
the  island,  and  dropped  a  few  shells  in  the  direction  of  the  fort  and  the 
steamer,  with  what  result  was  not  known.  They  effected  a  thorough 
reconnoissance  on  both  sides,  and  discovered  two  ugly  torpedoes  sunk 
in  the  Avest  channel,  which  they  carefi^lly  hauled  out  and  towed  down 
to  the  shore  below.  • 

During  the  day  and  night  the  division  of  General  Smith,  from  Padu- 
cah,  arrived,  and  was  landed  on  the  west  shore  of  the  river,  with  a  view 
of  operating  against  batteries  supposed  to  be  on  that  side,  and  also  to 
counteract  a  large  body  of  troops,  which  scouts  reported  to  be  concen- 
trating opposite  the  fort. 

Wednesday  night  was  cold  and  most  disagreeable.  About  eight  o'clock 
a  heavy  storm  set  in,  which  speedily  quenched  the  camp-fires,  and  sent 
the  troops  wet  and  disconsolate  under  any  shelter  that  could  be  found. 
All  over  the  southern  horizon,  in  the  direction  of  Fort  Henry,  a  tremen- 
dous thunder-storm  swept  its  way,  filling  the  hills  with  flashes  of  fiery 
blue  lightning,  and  shaking  the  forests  with  loud  reverberations  of  thun- 
der. Hailing  this  burst  of  heaven's  artillery,  rolling  southward  toward 
the  enemy,  as  a  good  omen,  the  Union  soldiers  pulled  the  wet  blankets 
closer  around  them,  turned. drearily  in  the  yielding  mud,  and  fell  asleep. 

Thursday  dawned  cloudily,  but  towards  nine  o'clock  it  cleared  up 
and  the  sun  came  out  warm  and  gloriously.  Nature  nowhere  seemed  to 
anticipate  the  bloody  event  which  gives  the  day  prominence.  A  few 
more  troops  arrived,  among  whom  were  the  Ohio  Seventh,  Colonel  Lau- 
man,  nnd  the  Ohio  Twelfth,  Colonel  Wood,  both  from  Smithland,  and 
which,  together  with  the  Seventh  Illinois,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Bancock ; 
Thirteenth  Missouri,  Colonel  Wright ;  the  Fifteenth  Illinois,  Colonel 

,  and  Company  D,  First  Missouri  Artillery,  made   the  Third 

Brigade,  Colonel  John  Cook  commanding,  assigned  the  right  wing  of. 
the  advance  up  the  Tennessee  shore. 

About  ten  o'clock  the  gunboats  started  slowly  up  the  river,  four  iron 
clad  steamers  leading  abreast — the  Essex,  Captain  Porter,  on  the  right, 
and  the  Cincinnivti,  C<  mmodore  Foote,  on  the  left.  The  three  wooden 
gunboats  ran  ;e<l  themselves  abreast  and  followed,  half  a  mile  or  so  to 
llie  rear. 

The  iron-clad  boats  moved  up  abreast,  keeping  up  the  west  or  high 


CAPTURE   OF   FOET   HENBT.  286 

water  channel.  Almost  immediately  on  passing  the  lower  end  of  the 
island,  the  boats  and  the  forts  were  in  each  others'  range,  but  on  both 
sides  an  ominous  silence  was  preserved — a  silence  that  betokened  dead- 
ly intent  on  the  part  of  the  belligerents.  On  swept  the  boats,  coming  in 
full  view  of  the  long  line  of  breastworks  that  broke  the  east  shore — in  full 
>dew  of  the  black  muzzles  of  the  heavy  guns  whicb  seemed  watching  the 
approach  of  the  gallant  little  fleet  in  ominous  silence — in  full  view  of  the 
flag  waving  defiantly  from  a  high  staff"  in  the  centre  of  the  works, 
until  one  could  almost  see  down  the  huge  bore  of  the  guns,  the  bright 
straps  of  the  shells,  which  seemed  like  leashes  to  prevent  the  deadly 
missiles  from  springing  forth  upon  their  work  of  destruction — and  yet 
not  a  trigger  was  pulled  on  either  side. 

Less  than  a  mile  separated  the  fleet  and  the  fort,  and  yet  not  a  word 
was  said.  The  insurgents  appeared  to  be  confidently  anticipating  the  con- 
flict ;  and  grouped  like  statues  around  their  guns,  with  lanyards  stretch- 
ed, they  waited  for  the  onset. 

When  about  six  hundred  yards  from  the  fort,  the  bow-guns  of  the 
flag-ship  poured  their  contents  into  it,  and  so  close  after,  that  the  re- 
ports seemed  almost  one,  the  other  three  poured  in  their  fire.  Scarcely 
had  the  smoke  cleared  from  the  muzzles  of  the  pieces,  ere  the  whole  ten 
guns  of  the  rebels  belched  forth  their  contents,  sending  a  terrific  iron 
shower  in,  above  and  around  the  gunboats.  Taking  their  cue  from  the 
others,  the  three  wooden  gunboats,  which  were  about  a  mile  below,  open- 
ed from  their  bow-guns,  and  then  the  contest  was  faii'ly  begun.  For  one 
hour  the  roar  was  so  incessant  that  the  successive  reports  of  the  guns 
could,  not  in  many  cases,  be  distinguished.  Occasionally  there  would 
be  a  momentary  lull — then  a  single  reverberating  roar  would  give  the 
key-note,  and  an  instant-  after  all  the  voices  would  swell  together  in  one 
tremendous  chorus. 

A  thick  cloud  of  smoke  enveloped  the  boats,  hiding  them  completely 
from  view.  Over  them  hovered  a  dense  white  vapor,  from  which  quick 
flashes  of  flame  leaped  and  quivered,  incessantly  followed  by  delicate 
balloon-like  forms  of  smoke,  which  burst  like  ghostly  shadows  from  the 
enemy's  shells. 

From  the  very  first,  the  fire  of  the  rebel  guns  seemed  directed  at  the 
Essex.  In  their  first  volley  two  thirty-two  pound  shots  struck  the 
Essex  on  the  starboard  bow,  indenting  deeply  the  iron  sheathing,  and 
then  glanced  off",  down  the  river,  while  a  perfect  storm  of  the  iron  mis- 
siles whistled  over  her  decks,  and  plowed  into  the  water  on  either 
side.  She  received  in  all  eleven  shots^one  of  which  carried  death 
through  the  whole  length  of  the  vessel.  It  entered  a  larboard  port, 
carried  off"  the  head  of  the  master's  mate,  and  passing  on,  entered  the 
boiler.    The  steam  and  water  poured  out,  filling  the  whole  space  be- 


286  THE  WAE  FOR  THE  UNION". 

tween  decks,  and  causing  more  destruction  than  all  the  enemy's  mis- 
Biles  put  together — four  men  were  instantly  suffocated,  and  some 
twenty-five  severely  scalded,  among  whom  was  the  gallant  Commander 
Porter.  The  two  pilots,  who  were  in  the  pilot-house  above,  had  no  es- 
cape except  through  a  passage  from  below,  and  up  this  the  steam 
rushed,  as  if  coming  from  a  safety-valve,  and  of  course  Avith  fatal  effect. 
Both  these  poor  men  perished. 

Of  course  the  Essex  Vas  thenceforth  unmanageable.  She  slowly  drifted 
down  the  main  channel,  and  was  soon  after  met  by  a  steamer,  which 
towed  her  down  to  the  place  occupied  by  the  boats  before  starting. 
Soon  after  the  Essex  became  disabled,  the  pelting  of  the  iron  storm 
proved  too  hot  for  endurance,  and  the  rebel  flag  came  rapidly  down. 
The  firing  on  the  part  of  the  gunboats  immediately  ceased,  and  messen- 
gers were  sent  off  from  the  flag-boat,  which  found,  upon  landing,  that 
the  rebels  were  disposed  to  an  unconditional  surrender.  In  scarcely 
more  than  an  hour  after  the  first  attack,  the  flag  of  Fort  Henry  was  in 
the  dust. 

The  fort  was  soon  after  t<aken  possession  of,  and  it  was  found  that  the 
sum  total  of  rebel  prisoners  was  between  seventy  and  one  hundred, 
the  balance  having  left  the  night  before  on  the  steamer  Dunbar. 

Among  those  who  surrendered  were  Brigadier-General  Tilghman, 
Major  Corrico,  Colonel  Carihichael,  Captain  Hayden,  of  the  Engineers, 
and  Captain  Miller,  with  several  other  commissioned  officers. 

Ten  of  the  rebels  were  found  killed,  and  some  twelve  or  fifteen 
wounded.  Three  hundred  and  six  tents  were  found  on  the  west  side 
of  the  river,  and  about  as  many  near  the  fort,  all  of  which  bore  evi 
dences  of  the  haste  with  which  the  rebels  had  evacuated  their  quarters. 
Several  hundred  stands  of  arms  were  found,  chiefly  squirrel  rifles  and 
double-barrelled  shot-guns,  also  a  large  amount  of  clothing,  forage, 
provisions,  wagons,  mules  and  horses. 

There  was  a  large  supply  of  ammunition,  and  when  the  Union  forces 
entered  the  fort  there  was  beside  each  gun  an  abundance  unexj>ended. 
The  tents  were  new  and  of  excellent  make,  sufficient  to  shelter  five  or 
six  thousand  men.  The  enemy  had  flour,  corn,  bacon  and  sugar  in  large 
quantities,  but  no  salt,  and  not  a  large  supply  of  beef. 

There  were  nineteen  guns  in  position,  of  the  following  calibre :  two 
128-pounders,  one  80-pounder,  two  42-pounders,  rifled,  ten  32-pounders, 
two  24-pound  howitzers,  two  12-pound  howitzers.  Three  G-pound 
smooth  bores,  five  6-pound  rifles,  found  outside  the  intrenchments. 

A  twenty-four-pound  rifled  gun  exploded  on  the  fourth  round,  and  near 
the  close  of  the  fight  a  shell  from  one  of  the  Union  boats  entered  the 
eighty-pounder  and  burst,  disabling  it.  Several  caissons  were  captured 
in  the  redan  upon  the  west  side  of  the  river,  but  no  guns  were  in  position. 


CAPTURE   OF   PORT   HENRY.  287 

Evidences  abcunded  on  all  sides  of  the  deadly  accuracy  of  the  Federal 
gunners.  Every  one  of  the  eleven  log  buildings  within  the  ramparts 
was  perforated  with  shot,  the  roof  of  one  of  the  small  magazines  was 
torn  open,  hurdle-work  scattered  in  all  direction,  half  the  guns  knocked 
out  of  place,  and  great  gulleys  cut  in  the  parapet  and  the  ground.  A 
thirty-two  pounder  bearing  upon  the  gunboats  had  been  struck  by  a 
Union  shell,  completely  shattering  the  muzzle.  The  ground  beside  the 
embrasure  was  stained  with  blood,  which  lay  in  pools  on  the  uneven 
surface.  Beside  one  of  the  buildings,  with  gray  blankets  thrown  hastily 
over  them,  lay  six  dead  soldiers,  all  fearfully  mutilated.  Inside,  ten 
wounded  men  were  stretched  upon  cots,  or  on  the  ground,  some  insen- 
sible, and  others  rending  the  air  with  groans,  while  the  surgeons  of  the 
garrison  were  attending  upon  them.  Just  above,  on  the  river,  was  the 
hospital  ship  of  the  rebels,  the  stern- wheel  steamer  R.  M.  Patten,  which 
had  been  captured  with  the  fort.  The  ensign  of  disease,  the  yellow  flag, 
was  flying  from  the  staff,  waving  off  destruction  from  sixty  invalids. 

THE    REBEL    CAMP. 

Upon  a  high  plateau,  the  heavy  trees  had  all  been  cut  away  over  a 
large  area.  They  were  designed  for  the  construction  of  an  abattis,  and 
though  nothing  had  been  done  beyond  chopping  down  the  heavy  tim- 
ber, the  large  trunks  and  limbs,  lying  in  all  directions,  would  have 
presented  almost  insurmountable  obstacles  to  the  approach  of  cavalry 
or  artillery,  had  the  rifle-pits,  just  beyond,  been  filled  with  men. 

Crossing  the  rifle-pits,  the  Unionists  were  in  the  enemy's  camp,  though 
still  more  than  half  a  mile  from  the  fort.  Here  were  the  wall  tents  of  a 
regiment,  all  standing  in  complete  order,  with  the  camp-fires  still  blazing, 
the  copper  pots  of  soup  for  dinner  boiling  over  them,  and  the  half-made 
biscuits  in  the  pans.  Inside  the  tents  everything  was  just  as  the  enemy 
had  left  it — pistols,  shot-guns,  muskets,  bowie-knives,  clothing,  tables 
partially  set  for  dinner,  letters  half-written,  with  the  ink  scarcely  dry 
upon  the  open  page,  cards  thrown  down  in  the  midst  of  the  game, 
overcoats,  blankets,  trunks,  carpet  sacks,  and  so  on  through  all  the  ar- 
ticles of  camp  life.  It  seemed  as  if  the  meu  were  out  at  guard-mounting, 
and  expected  to  return  in  ten  minutes. 

Along  the  river  bank  were  long  rows  of  log  barracks,  enough  to  ac- 
commodate two  or  three  thousand  men,  and  finished  comfortably.  Inside 
they  bore  the  same  indications  that  the  inmates  had  decamped  without 
a  moment's  warning. 


288  THE  WAR  FOR  THR   UKTIOW. 


ADVANCE   OP  NATIONAL   GUNBOATS   UP   THE  TENNESSEE  RIVEK. 

In  accordance  with  the  instructions  of  Commodore  Foote,  given  be- 
fore the  attack  on  Fort  Henry,  immediately  after  the  capture  of  the 
fort,  February  6,  the  gunboats  Conestoga,  Lexington  and  Tyler,  under 
the  command  of  Lieutenant  Phelps,  advanced  up  the  river  twenty-five 
miles,  to  the  crossing  of  the  Bowling  Green  and  Memphis  railway,  break- 
ing up  a  portion  of  the  railway  bridge,  and  rendering  it  impassable. 
They  next  proceeded  to  destroy  the  rebel  gunboats  and  transports,  cap- 
turing large  quantities  of  munitions  of  Avar  and  supplies,  and  advanced 
up  the  river  for  upwards  of  two  hundred  miles  to  Eastport,  in  Missis- 
Bippi,  and  Florence,  at  the  foot  of  Muscle  Shoals,  in  Alabama,  annihi- 
lating the  rebel  flotilla  in  the  Tennessee  river.  The  expedition  was 
welcomed  at  every  point  by  the  inhabitants.  Twenty-five  Tennesseana 
enlisted  at  Cerro  Gordo,  where  also  three  steamers  were  seized,  con- 
taining 250,000  feet  of  valuable  ship  timber. 

Toward  the  latter  part  of  February,  intelligence  reached  Fort  Henry 
that  the  rebels  were  fortifying  a  point  on  the  Tennessee  river,  near  the 
Mississippi  State  line,  whereupon  Lieutenant-Commanding  William 
Gwin,  with  the  gunboats  Tyler  and  Lexington,  were  sent  fwrward  to 
reconnoitre  the  position. 

Having  learned  that  the  rebels  had  occupied  and  were  fortifying  a 
place  called  Pittsburgh,  nine  miles  above,  on  the  right  bank  of  the 
river,  he  determined  to  attack  them. 

At  twelve  m.  the  Taylor,  followed  by  the  Lexington,  Lieutenant- 
Commanding  Shirk,  proceeded  up  the  river.  When  within  twelve  hun- 
dred yards  of  Pittsburgh,  they  were  opened  upon  by  the  rebel  batteries, 
consisting  of  six  or  eight  Held  pieces,  some  rifled.  Getting  within  one 
thousand  yards,  the  Taylor  and  Lexington  opened  a  well-directed  fire, 
and  had  the  satisfaction  of  silencing  the  batteries. 

They  then  proceeded  abreast  of  the  place,  and,  under  the  cover  of 
grape  and  canister,  landed  two  armed  boats  from  each  vessel,  contain- 
ing, besides  their  crews,  a  portion  of  company  C,  Captain  Thaddeus 
Phillips,  and  company  K,  First-Lieutenant  John  C.  Rider,  of  the  Thirty- 
gocond  regiment,  Illinois  Volunteers  (sharpshooters).  Second-master 
Jason  Gondy,  commanded  the  boats  of  the  Taylor,  and  Second-master 
Martin  Dunn,  commanded  the  boats  of  the  Lexington.  The  landing 
was  successfully  accomplished.  This  small  force  drove  back  the  rebels, 
and  held  them  in  check  until  they  had  accomplished  their  diflicult  ob- 
ject, which  was  to  discover  the  real  strength  and  purpose  of  the  enemy, 
and  to  destroy  a  house  in  close  proximity  to  the  batteries.  In  addition 
to  their  artillery,  the  enemy  had  a  force  of  not  less  than  two  regiments 
of  infantry,  and  a  regiment  of  cavalry. 


SECTION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  LIVER. 

BBOWIKQ     TnK     DISTANCES     FROM     NEW     ORLEANS. 


290  THE  WAE  FOB  THE  UNION. 

THE   BUENSIDE   EXPEDITION.' 

SAILING    OF  THE   FLEET  FOB   HATTEBAS   INLET. 
January  12-20,  1862. 

Immediately  after  the  departure  of  the  expedition  to  operate  against 
Port  Royal  and  the  adjacent  territory,  the  organization  of  another 
armament,  to  proceed  to  the  North  Carolina  coast,  was  commenced,  and 
like  its  predecessor,  was  mainly  fitted  out  at  Annapolis,  Md.,  and 
gradually  concentrated  at  Fortress  Monroe.  After  many  delays,  it 
sailed  from  that  place  for  its  destination  on  the  12th  of  January,  1862, 
The  expedition  consisted  of  a  large  naval  force  of  light-draught  boats, 
taken  from  the  commercial  marine,  fitted  up  and  armed,  and  a  numerous 
retinue  of  transports  and  supply  vessels,  all  under  the  command  of 
Commodore  L.  M.  Goldsborough.  There  were  thirty-one  gunboats  in 
the  expedition,  exclusive  of  transports,  carrying  an  aggregate  of  ninety- 
four  guns.  Five  of  these,  called  "  floating  batteries,"  were  vessels 
of  strong  hulls,  heavily  braced,  and  cut  down  so  as  to  present  but  a 
small  surface  when  in  action,  and  designed  to  be  anchored  during  an 
engagement.  The  entire  number  of  vessels  of  all  classes  was  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five. 

The  land  force  consisted  of  about  fourteen  thousand  men,  under  the 
command  of  Brigadier-General  Ambrose  E.  Burnside,  who  was  also 
Commander-in-chief  of  the  expedition.  It  consisted  of  fifteen  regiments, 
divided  into  three  brigades,  commanded  in  their  order  by  Generals  John 
G.  Foster,  Jesse  L.  Reno,  and  John  G.  Parke. 

The  vessels  encountered  adverse  weather  immediately  after  starting 
from  Fortress  Monroe,  and  a  number  of  the  transports  were  obliged  to 
put  back,  having  experienced  one  of  those  severe  storms  which  have 
rendered  the  coast  of  Cape  Ilatteras  a  terror  and  a  proverb  to  the 
mariner.  For  a  time  the  expedition  was  in  deadly  peril.  Communica 
tion  between  the  vessels  of  the  fleet  was  rendered  impossible,  and  wreck 
and  disaster  appeared  to  be  their  inevitable  fate.  Several  gunboats  and 
vessels  were  driven  ashore  and  lost,  and  a  number  of  valuable  lives 
sacrificed  to  the  fury  of  the  elements,  in  a  vain  endeavcfr  to  succor 
some  of  the  disabled  vessels. 

Along  the  whole  coast  of  North  Carolina  there  are  many  desolate 
sand-bars  or  islands,  varying  from  half  i  mile  to  two  miles  in  width, 
intersected  by  numerous  inlets,  which  with  few  exceptions,  are  not 
navigable.    A  principal  one  of  these,  known  as  Ilatteras  Inlet,  opening 


THE   BUENSIDE   EXPEDrnON.  291 

into  the  waters  of  Albemarle  Sound,  was  the  point  Avhere  Commodore 
Goldsborough's  fleet  was  now  endeavoring  to  concentrate. 

On  Monday  morning,  January  13,  they  were  off  Hatteras  Inlet. 
Day  broke  with  a  leaden  sky,  against  which  the  angry,  white-crested 
waves  raced  their  mad  career  along  the  reefs  of  Cape  Hatteras,  that 
threw  its  headland  oceanward  but  eight  miles  distant.  Fourteen  steam- 
ers were  laboring  to  weat)ier  the  storm  point.  Bravely  they  breasted 
on,  staggering  beneath  the  giant  blows  of  each  successive  sea,  the  decks 
swept  fore  and  aft,  and  all  on  board  reeling  from  side  to  side  like  drunken 
men.  One  figui-e  stood  immovable,  grasping  the  bits  and  scanning  the 
horizon  for  traces  of  ships  as  they  rose  on  the  glittering  mass  of  foam. 
It  was  the  square,  manly  form  of  General  Burnside,  whose  anxiety  for 
the  fate  of  his  army  was  intense.  Many  of  the  vessels  on  which  the 
troops  were  embarked  were  nothing  more  than  huge  top-hampered 
river  steamers,  with  projecting  guards,  that  would  break  up  like  card-' 
board  if  fairly  struck  by  a  sea. 

At  dark,  all  hands  on  the  flag-ship  were  startled  by  the  report  of  a  gun, 
and  on  reaching  the  hurricane  deck  they  saw  a  large  brig  drifting  rapidly 
on  to  the  bar.  As  it  grew  darker,  and  her  outline  became  less  defined, 
the  excitement  became  intense.  She  was  eviderftly  in  a  most  critical  posi- 
tion, and  every  moment  might  be  her  last.  Slowly  the  black  hull  rose 
and  fell,  each  time  gliding  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  vortex  of  white 
breakers,  which,  once  reached,  nothing  could  save  her.  Suddenly  a 
fringe  of  musketry  fire  surrounded  her  bulwarks,  and  blue-lights  were 
burnt  in  her  tops.  Volley  after  volley  succeeded  each  other  in  rapid 
succession,  yet  apparently  no  one  could  help  her ;  no  human  power 
dared  face  the  tempest,  and,  perhaps,  share  her  doom.  General  Burn- 
side  boarded  every  steamtug  in  the  ha^'bor ;  offered  any  reward,  and 
also  to  go  himself  in  aid  of  the  brig,  but  all  held  back.  Were  three 
hundred  men  to  be  launched  into  eternity,  and  no  effort  made  to  save 
them  ?  At  last  one  brave  seaman  volunteered  to  take  his  little  steamer 
out — General  Burnside  jumped  aboard  her — but  by  the  earnest  entrea- 
ties of  the  officers  he  delegated  the  honorable  position  to  one  of  his  staff, 
for  his  heroic  conduct  had  nerved  every  brave  heart  in  his  command. 

burnside's  fleet  at  hatteras  inlet. 

From  the  13th  of  January  until  the  4th  of  February,  the  fleet  at 
Jlattcras  Inlet  experienced  an  almost  uninterrupted  series  of  gales,  and 
the  two  dykes  ivhich  reach  the  east  and  west  boundaries  of  the  inlet, 
were  fringed  with  perpetual  spray  and  foam  from  the  breakers.  The 
lighter  vessels,  comprising  the  propeller  gunboats,  the  side-wheel  steam- 
ers, and  most  of  the  schooner  transports,  had  gone  safely  through  the 


202  THE  WAR  FOK  THE  UNION. 

"Swash,"  and  Avere  securely  anchored  some  two  miles  from  the  throat 
of  the  inlet,  while  the  larger  ships  and  barks  were  still  riding  outside, 
with  colors  continually  flying  for  a  pilot. 

Many  of  these  vessels  were  crowded  Avith  men  suffering  for  the  want 
of  necessary  supplies,  especially  water,  and  the  largest  of  the  transports 
had  a  draught  of  from  two  to  four  feet  more  than  the  specifications  of 
the  guarantee  should  have  allowed.  The  consequence  was,  that  they 
grounded  in  attemi)ting  the  passage.  An  occasional  cessation  of  a  few 
hours  in  the  storm  afforded  opportunity  that  could  be  taken  advantage 
of  by  vessels  to  try  the  dangerous  passage,  aided  by  the  tugs,  that 
responded  but  shyly  to  the  signals  for  aid.  And  thus  for  days  the 
severity  of  the  gale  defied  all  communication  between  the  vessels  out- 
side of  the  bar,  as  they  battled  with  a  fiercer  foe  than  that  upon  the 
^  land — fighting  a  very  hand-to-hand  fight  with  storm  and  ocean. 

Nearly  three  weeks  passed  before  all  the  vessels  of  the  expedition 
were  brought  in  safety  through  the  swash  to  anchorage  within  the 
inlet.  Though  the  severity  of  the  storm  had  threatened  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  entire  armada,  and  occasioned  the  deepest  gloom  and  anxiety 
in  the  minds  of  thousands  of  loyal  friends  at  home,  the  brave  and  skill- 
ful commanders  were  never  despondent,  and  met  the  new  dangers  of 
each  day  with  hopeful  energy  and  perseverance.  Eight  vessels  of 
various  sizes  were  cast  away  or  foundered  in  the  storm,  though  but  few 
lives  were  lost. 

Colonel  J.  W.  Allen  and  Surgeon  T.  S.  Weller,  of  the  tN'inth  New 
Jersey,  were  drowned  from  a  small  boat  Avhile  on  a  noble  mission  to 
relieve  a  suffering  crew. 

Many  of  the  large  transports  were  grounded  in  attempting  to  pass 
inside  the  inlet.  From  the  necessity  of  lightening  them,  vast  quantities 
of  property  were  lost  or  thrown  overboard.  An  expedition  beset  with 
such  difficulties,  all  overcome  by  indomitable  perseverance,  has  seldom 
been  recorded  in  the  history  of  any  country. 


OAPTUEE    OF   EOMOKE   ISLAIO). 

Februaet  8,  1862. 

After  a  detention  of  three  weeks  in  sight  of  Hatteras  Inlet,  occasioned 
"by  the  severity  of  the  storm,  and  the  difficulty  of  piloting  the  heavily- 
laden  vessels  through  the  inlet,  the  expedition  received  sailing  orders 
on  the  4th  of  February,  and  proceeded  on  the  next  day  to  the  point  of 
attack.  The  fleet  anchored  on  the  nigUt  of  February  6,  about  ten 
miles  below  the  southern  point  of  Roanoke  Island,  from  whence  they 


CAPTURE    OF    ROANOKE   ISLAIO).  293 

again  weighed  anclior  at  eight  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  6th.  A 
storm  retarded  their  progress,  and  they  remained  over  night  without 
passing  through  Roanoke  Inlet  to  Croatgn  Sound. 

At  ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  Vth,  the  gunboats,  under  the 
lead  of  the  Flag-officer's  ship,  moved  forward,  and  were  soon  inside  the 
narrow  passage  leading  into  Croatan  Sound,  known  as  Roanoke  Inlet. 
The  mainland  juts  eastward,  forming  a  point  of  marshy  land  at  the 
southern  extremity  of  Croatan  Sound,  which  is  the  only  navigable 
water  leading  past  Roanoke  Island.  A  small  island  forms  the  eastern 
boundary  of  the  channel,  while  the  western  shore  is  a  low  marshy  point. 
Following  Commodore  Goldsborough's  squadron  were  the  gunboats  of 
the  coast  division,  all  of  which  passed  through  Avithout  interruption. 

The  S.  R.  Spaulding,  with  General  Burnside  on  board,  next  passed 
through,  but  the  remainder  of  the  transports  were  detained  about  two 
hours.  The  rebel  gunboats  could  now  be  seen  close  in  shore,  evidently 
under  the  guns  of  batteries  on  shore.  As  the  fleet  passed  into  the 
sound,  a  signal  was  fired  from  one  of  the  rebel  gunboats,  to  announce 
its  approach.  This  was  about  half-past  ten  o'clock.  At  half-past  eleven 
the  first  gun  was  fired  from  the  flag-ship,  and  was  replied  to  by  the 
rebels.  The  Flag-officer  hoisted  the  signal :  "  This  day  our  country 
expects  that  every  man  will  do  his  duty."  The  effect  was  electric. 
The  men  worked  their  guns  with  unflagging  energy,  determined  that 
their  country  should  have  nothing  to  complain  of  in  relation  to  them. 
As  the  Federal  vessels  came  within  shorter  range,  the  fire  became  more 
rapid,  but  the  regular  fire  did  not  commence  until  noon,  when  the  flag- 
ship displayed  the  signal  for  close  action. 

The  number  of  the  rebel  gunboats  visible  in  the  early  part  of  the  en- 
gagement was  seven.  As  the  vessels  came  into  closer  action,  they 
moved  to  the  northward,  with  the  design  of  drawing  the  Union  fleet 
after  them,  and  bring  them  under  the  guns  of  their  batteries  on  the 
island.  At  twelve  o'clock  the  engagement  became  general,  between 
the  retreating  gunboats  of  the  rebels  and  the  Union  fleet,  varied  by  an 
occasional  shot  from  a  battery  on  shore.  The  firing  was  exceedingly  brisk 
for  some  time,  but  the  distance  Avas  evidently  too  great  for  destructive 
effect.  The  one  hundred-pound  Parrott  gun  on  board  the  Southfield,  to 
which  the  Flag-Officer  transferred  his  flag,  boomed  forth  terrific  explo- 
sions, followed  by  the  roar  and  crash  of  flying  shells.  The  puff  of  stnoko 
in  the  air  was  almost  simultaneous  with  the  splash  of  fragments  in  the 
water.  The  rebel  gunboats  kept  up  a  steady  fire  in  reply.  Their  fire 
was  varied  at  times  by  the  louder  report  of  a  hundred-pound  Parrott 
gun  on  board  one  of  their  vessels.  The  Sawyer  gun  on  board  the  Fanny, 
which  was  captured  by  the  enemy  at  Ilatteras  Inlet,  was  the  most  an- 
noying in  its  effects,  as  the  range  was  long  and  very  accurate. 


294  THE  WAR  FOR  THB  ITSnOTH, 

The  fire  from  the  fort  indicated  a  weak  force  working  the  guns.  The 
rebel  gunboats  retired  steadily  a  considerable  distance  up  the  sound. 
A  line  of  piles  driven  into  the  bed  across  the  principal  channel,  ob- 
structed the  progress  of  the  Union  vessels  in  the  pursuit  of  the  retreat- 
ing rebels,  who  occupied  an  inner  channel  under  the  guns  of  their  bat- 
tery. The  Union  fleet  now  turned  their  attention  to  the  fort,  which 
kept  up  ft  steady  and  rapid  fire. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  7th,  the  transports,  with  the  land  forces,  were 
all  brought  safely  through  Roanoke  Inlet,  and  clustered  securely  in  rear 
of  the  bombarding  fleet.  General  Burnside  gave  immediate  orders  for 
landing  the  forces,  which  was  done  at  a  small  cove,  known  as  Ashby's 
Harbor.  In  less  than  an  hour  four  thousand  men  were  landed,  and  by 
eleven  at  night,  the  entire  force,  excepting  one  regiment,  were  on  the 
island,  and  their  bivouac-fires  lighted  up  the  shore  and  the  woods  for 
the  distance  of  a  mile. 

At  nine  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  a  few  shots  were  exchanged 
between  the  Federal  gunboats  and  the  battery,  which  ceased  after  fif- 
teen minutes'  duration,  and  was  not  renewed  during  the  day.  The  rebel 
gunboats  had  retreated,  and  all  interest  now  centered  in  the  movements 
of  the  land  forces. 

From  definite  information  received  by  General  Burnside,  the  position 
of  all  the  works  on  the  island  was  clearly  known,  and  his  movements 
were  based  on  this  knowledge.  The  plan  of  attack  consisted  of  a  cen- 
tral attacking  column,  led  by  Bi'igadier-General  Foster ;  a  left  flanking 
column  to  attack  the  right  of  the  enemy's  work,  under  Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Reno,  and  a  right  flank  column  to  attack  the  left  of  the  enemy's 
position,  under  the  command  Of  Brigadier-General  Parke. 

The  approach  to  the  enemy's  position  was  through  a  swampy  wood, 
with  a  dense  undergrowth,  rendering  it  almost  impenetrable.  An  or- 
dinary cart-road  leading  through  this  wood  from  the  shore  to  the  field- 
work,  a  distance  of  about  a  mile,  was  the  only  mode  of  communication. 
The  woods  in  front  of  the  battery  had  been  cut  down  a  distance  of  three 
hundred  yards,  forming  an  open  space  to  be  played  on  by  the  rebel 
guns,  about  two  hundred  feet  wide.  The  woods  immediately  in  rear 
of  the  work  were  also  cut  down  to  permit  the  manoDuvreing  of  their 
own  forces. 

Hf  Their  battery  consisted  of  an  earth-work  with  three  faces  covering  the 
'open  space  before,  and  the  woods  at  each  side  of  the  open  space,  but 
with  a  general  direction  of  fire  to  the  front.  The  guns  were  mounted  in 
embrasure,  and  consisted  of  a  twenty-four-pounder  brass  Dalilgren  how- 
itzer, a  long  eighteen-pounder  brass  field-gun,  and  a  twelve-pounder  brass 
field-piece.  In  front  of  the  work  was  a  ditch  eight  feet  wide  and  about 
three  feet  deep,  filled  with  water.    The  earth-work  was  ?ibout  thirty-five 


CAPTUKE*  of'  BOAXOKE   ISLAND.  295 

yards  wide,  and  was  erected  across  the  road.  The  ground  in  front  of  the 
work  was  a  deep  marsh,  on  which  the  trees  which  were  felled  still  lay. 
The  difficult  nature  of  this  ground  was  increased  by  the  pits  from  which 
the  turf  and  earth  for  the  field-work  had  been  taken.  Branches  were 
strewn  over  the  front  of  the  work,  making  it  impossible  to  discover 
it  from  the  wood  in  front. 

The  defending  force  consisted  of  about  three  hundred  men,  within  the 
breastwork,  and  about  two  thousand  as  a  reserve,  partly  deployed  as 
skirmishers  on  the  left  of  the  battery.  The  rebels  relied  chiefly  for  the 
defence  of  their  flanks  on  the  almost  impenetrable  nature  of  the  wood 
on  each  side.  Their  entire  force,  with  the  exception  of  the  force  work- 
ing the  battery,  was  scattered  in  front  and  in  the  woods  on  the  left  as 
skirmishers. 

The  Federal  army  advanced  from  the  bivouac-ground  of  the  evening 
previous,  where  they  had  spent  the  night  with  nothing  but  thin  over- 
coats to  protect  them  from  a  cold,  driving  rain.  They  had  left  their 
knapsacks  and  blankets  on  the  transports,  each  man  carrying  nothing 
but  his  haversack,  with  three  days'  provisions,  and  his  cartridge-box, 
with  forty  rounds  of  ball-cartridge.  The  centre,  under  the  command 
of  General  Foster,  was  composed  of  the  Twenty-fifth  Massachusetts, 
Colonel  Upton ;  Twenty-third  Massachusetts,  Colonel  Kurtz ;  Twenty- 
seventh  Massachusetts,  Colonel  Lee,  and  the  Tenth  Connecticut,  Colonel 
Russell,  and  moved  forward  about  eight  o'clock.  They  were  followed  by 
the  second  column,  u^ider  General  Reno,  consisting  of  the  Twenty-first 
Massachusetts,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Maggi ;  the  Fifty-first  New  York, 
(Shepard  Rifles,)  Colonel  Ferrero ;  Ninth  New  Jersey,  and  the  Fifty 
first  Pennsylvania,  Colonel  Ilartraaf.  The  third  column,  led  by  General 
Parke,  was  formed  of  the  Fourth  Rhode  Island,  Colonel  Rodman  ;  First 
battalion.  Fifth  Rhode  Island,  Major  Wright ;  and  Ninth  New  York, 
Colonel  Hawkins. 

A  brilliant,  well-contested  fight  of  two  hours'  duration  put  the  Federal 
forces  in  possession  of  Roanoke  Island,  with  all  the  batteries,  mounting 
thirty  guns,  and  Fort  Forrest,  on  the  mainland,  mounting  eight  guns. 
It  resulted  in  the  unconditional  surrender  of  the  rebel  army  on  the 
island,  numbering  2,500  men,  with  all  their  arms  and  munitions  of  war. 
Captain  O.  Jennings  Wise,  son  of  ex-Governor  Wise  of  Virginia,  lost 
his  life  in  this  engagement.  The  Governor  himself,  being  absent  from 
his  comrnand  on  the  day  of  battle,  escaped.  .  *^ 

Colonel  Russell,  of  the  Tenth  Connecticut,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel 
De  Monteuil,  of  the  New  York  Fifty-third,  were  killed. 

The  Federal  loss  was  fifty  killed  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  wounded. 
That  of  the  rebels  was  about  twenty  killed,  and  sixty  wounded. 


29(J  THB   WAR  FOB  THB   imiOK. 

EVAOUATION  OF  BOWLING  GEEEN,  KY. 
,         FxBEnAKT  14-16,  1862. 

Before  th )  commencement  of  hostilities  in  the  State  of  Kentucky,  the 
rebel  Generiil  Buckner,  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  State  miHtia,  seired 
upon  the  town  of  Bowling  Green,  in  "Warren  county,  in  the  southern 
section  of  the  State,  and  occupied  it  as  the  grand  centre  and  depot  of 
future  military  operations.  The  position  was  well  chosen.  It  was  situated 
on  the  line  of  the  Louisville  and  Nashville  railway,  and  connected  also 
by  rail  with  Memphis  and  Nashville ;  while  water  communication  through 
the  Barren  river  was  open  to  the  Green  river,  the  Ohio,  and  Mississippi, 
and  thus  to  all  important  points. 

As  a  military  post,  its  means  of  defence  were  also  of  the  first  import- 
ance. TRe  town  lies  on  the  south  bank  of  Barren  river,  at  a  point  where 
the  channel  makes  a  bend  not  unlike  a  horse-shoe.  The  buildings  are 
situated  a  distance  of  five  hundred  yards  from  the  banks,  which  rise  by 
jutted  rocky  sides  fifty  feet  from  the  water  level.  A  series  of  nine 
swelling  hills,  or  knolls,  completely  encompass  the  town  on  the  land  side, 
and  on  these  Buckner  had  erected  a  cordon  of  forts ;  some  of  stone, 
and.  others  of  earth,  twenty  feet  in  thickness — all  of  great  magnitude. 
Forty-nine  guns  were  mounted  on  the  various  fortifications,  and  great 
engineering  skill  had  been  displayed  in  their  construction.  ^ 

On  learning  the  defeat  of  Zollicoffer's  troops  at  Mill  Spring,  on  the 
19th  of  January,  General  A.  S.  Johnson,  on  the  25th,  ordered  the  evacu- 
ation of  Bowling  Green,  and  General  Floyd's  brigade  immediately 
marched  from  thence  to  Fort  Donelson.  Active  measures  were  then 
taken  to  carry  out  the  order  further,  by  shipping  heavy  ordnance  to 
Columbus,  which  place  General  Grant's  reconnoissance  at  that  time  had 
induced  the  Confederates  to  believe  would  be  the  first  point  of  attack 
from  the  Federal  army.  • 

After  the  capture  of  Fort  Henry,  on  the  6th  of  February,  by  which 
the  enemy's  communication  with  Columbus  was  intercepted,  the  reman- 
ing troops  were  distributed,  some  to  Fort  Donelson,  some  to  Nash- 
ville and  other  points ;  aftd  a  work  of  indiscriminate  destruction  of  the 
buildings  and  property  in  the  town  commenced.  The  beautiful  iron  rail- 
way bridge,  and  the  wooden  turnpike  bridge  over  the  Barren  river  were 
first  destroyed.  The  railway  bridge  over  the  Green  river,  some  forty 
miles  to  the  northeast,  had  long  since  been  burned,  and  the  forces  of 
General  Buell  had  been  deterred  from  crossing  that  stream  up  to  the 
present  time. 

On  the  11th  of  February,  however,  General  Mitchell's  division,  en- 
,  camped  on  Bacon  creek,  seven  miles  north  of  the  Green  river,  were 


EVACUATIOX   OF   BOWLING   GREEN.  297 

ordered  to  advance  on  Bowling  Green,  and  on  that  day  marched  to 
Camp  Madison,  one  mile  north  of  the  river ;  where  receiving  confirma- 
tory information  of  the  retreat  of  the  rebel  forces,  they  hastened  for- 
ward. 

Thursday  morning,  February  13  th,'  the  division — infantry,  cavalry,  and 
ai'tillery,  left  Camp  Madison  for  Bowling  Green,  forty-two  miles  distant, 
and  made  twenty  miles  the  first  day.  The  railroad  appeared  to  be  but  lit- 
tle injured,  but  all  the  buildings  were  destroyed.  The  roads  the  first 
day  were  in  splendid  order,  but  much  obstructed  by  trees,  which  were, 
however,  speedily  removed  by  two  companies  of  mechanics  and  engi- 
neers, who  swung  their  axes  with  energy,  and  were  never  delayed  over 
fifteen  minutes  by  any  impediment.  The  ponds  along  the  road  were  filled 
with  dead  horses  and  cattle,  so  long  as  any  cattle  were  to  be  found  to  fill 
them.  The  troops  rested  at  noon  at  Cave  City,  which  was  very  nearly  de- 
stroyed. On  the  second  day  they  started  again  for  Bowling  Green.  The 
next  morning  was  cold,  with  about  an  inch  and  a  half  of  snow,  but  they 
'were  up  betimes  and  on  their  way,  the  Nineteenth  Illinois  ahead  as 
usual,  with  her  blue  flag  waving  triumphantly.  The  road  was  obstruct- 
ed, and  filled  with  signs  of  the  rapid  retreat  of  Hindman's  forces. 

Hearing  repeatedly  that  the  railroad  bridge  over  Barren  river  was 
destroyed,  and  that  the  Confederates  would  not  stand  this  side  of  the 
river.  Colonel  Turchin  ordered  the  cavalry  and  one  battery  ahead.  The 
ranks  opened  to  the  right  and  left,  and  Captain  Loomis'  battery  dashed 
by  in  fine  style  toward  Bowling  Green.  The  men  hearing  the  cannon 
roar,  hurried  on,  and  reached  the  banks  of  the  river  opposite  Bowling 
Green,  about  two  o'clock,  making  the  forty-two  miles  in  about  thirty- 
seven  hours.  After  the  firing  commenced  they  seized  every  team  along 
the  road,  and  had  the  knapsacks  drawn  by  horses  the  rest  of  the  way, 
much  to  the  relief  of  tired  shoulders.  General  Turchin  fired  the  first 
shell  into  the  towii,  and  immediately  three  regiments  were  seen  scamper- 
ing to  the  cars,  and  putting  oflf  in  great  confusion. 

But  though  within  a  mile  of  Bowling  Green,  they  were  powerless  to 
interfere,  for  there  was  Barren  river,  wide  and  unfordable,  between 
them,  and  both  bridges  destroyed.  The  Texan  Rangers  soon  began  to 
fire  all  the  public  buildings.  Fifty  men  under  Captain  Scott,  got  ready 
to^cross  in  a  little  skiff  by  parties,  and  try  to  .drive  out  the  few  who  re- 
mained to  perform  this  work,  but  the  General  Avould  not  allow  it.  They 
then  pitched  their  tents  and  prepared  to  wait  until  a  bridge  could  be 
erected.  When  snugly  tucked  in  their  blankets,  the  assembly  beat  to 
arms,  and  the  brigade  was  soon  in  ranks.  They  expected  to  march  to 
town,  but  were  put  on  the  back  track  some  three  miles. 

They  left  the  main  road,  and  soon  came  to  the  river,  where  they  built 
fires  and  rested  as  well  as  possible.     Here  the  repairs  of  an  old  wherry 


808  THE   WAB   FOK  THB   UNION. 

were  completed,  and  they  crossed  the  river,  protected  by  artillery. 
There  was  a  slight  snow  falling,  and  it  was  uncomfortably  cold.  The 
Nineteenth  and  Twenty-fourth,  Ilecker's  Illinois,  crossed  first.  The  men 
suffered  intensely  from  cold,  but  declared  that  they  had  rather  be  shot 
than  frozen,  and  pushed  on.  But  no  enemy  appeared,  and  the  tired 
soldiers  soon  surrounded  the  fires,  some  of  which  had  been  burning  for 
several  days.  All  the  public  buildings  and  several  warehouses,  filled 
with  pork,  beef,  coffee,  etc.,  were  destroyed.  A  pile  of  grain  thirty 
feet  by  twenty,  was  burning  when  the  Federal  troops  arrived.  Four 
engines  and  several  cars  were  also  burnt.  The  cars  had  been  carrying 
away  provision  for  a  week,  but  still  immense  quantities  were  destroyed. 
Boxes  of  guns,  large  numbers  of  bowie-knives  roughly  fashioned  of 
iron,  every  conceivable  kind  of  shooting  apparatus,  and  all*  sorts  of 
hardware  for  cooking  and  other  uses  were  found  in  immense  quantities. 

Bowling  Green  is  a  town  of  (jgnsiderable  commercial  importance,  and 
possesses  many  large  stores  and  warehouses.  The  majority  of  the  in- 
habitants were  loyal  in  their  sentiments,  though  many  influentiaL 
citizens  sympathized  with  the  rebellion ;  but  when  the  work  of  destruc- 
tion commenced,  no  discrimination  was  allowed,  and  all  were  made 
sufferers.  The  unexpected  arrival  of  General  Mitchell's  army,  and  the 
terror  of  his  artillery,  drove  the  rebels  from  the  town  before  their  incen- 
diary intentions  were  fully  consummated,  and  much  private  property 
was  saved  which  would  else  have  been  consumed  by  the  flames. 

When  General  Buckner  was  exercising  military  sovereignty  in  south- 
ern Kentucky,  one  of  his  proclamations  demanded  that  every  man  in 
"Wright  county  should  deliver  to  him  at  his  headquarters,  one  gun,  or 
twenty  dollars  in  money,  under  the  penalty  of  fifty  dollars'  fine,  or 
ninety  days'  imprisonment.  In  response  to  this  edict,  a  motley  colleo- 
tion  of  old  squirrel  and  shot  guns  were  added  to  the  Confederate 
stores,  and  with  other  treasures  were  packed  in  buildings  at  Bowling 
Greea.  A  hasty  evacuation  of  that  stronghold  having  become  a  "  mili- 
tary necessity,"  these  buildings  were  fired  by  the  retreating  rebels,  and 
among  the  ruins  which  met  the  curious  gaze  of  General  Mitchell's  men 
when  they  entered  the  town,  were  scattered  piles  of  the  iron  parts  of 
these  guns,  in  several  places  a  foot  thick. 


OAPTUEE    or    POET    DONELSON. 

Februabt  13-16,  1862. 

Bravely  as  the  army  of  the  West  had  sustained  the  honor  of  the 
Union,  the  crowning  glory  of  taking  Fort  Donelson  remained  to  be 
accomplished.     To  attack  a  strongly-defended  fort,  formidable  by  nature 


MTACK  ON  FOET  DONKLSON  BY  THE  FEDERAL  GUNBOATS. 


TUB  SOBEB.NDBB  01  FOBT  IX>NELSOM. 


CAPTURE    OP   FOKT   DONElSoN.  801 

and  rendered  almost  impregnable  by  military  art,  was  a  work  of  extreme 
danger,  nay,  of  impossibility  to  less  resolute  men. 

The  relative  positions  of  Fort  Henry  and  Donelson,  the  former  on 
tJie  Tennessee  river  and  the  latter  on  the  Cumberland,  should  be  clearly 
understood,  in  order  to  comprehend  the  difficulties  of  this  undertaking. 

Fort  Henry  had  been  occupied  by  Federal  troops,  and  it  became 
necessary  to  effect  the  reduction  of  Fort  Donelson,  in  order  to  open  the 
river  to  the  navigation  of  the  national  flotilla,  and  to  reach  Nashville, 
the  capital  of  Tennessee.    _ 

The  surrendei*  of  Fort  Henry  took  place  on  the  6th  of  February. 
One  of  the  gunboats,  the  Essex,  being  disabled,  was  obliged  to  return 
to  Cairo  for  repairs,  while  the  Lexington,  Conestoga  and  Tyler,  returned 
to  the  Ohio,  in  order  to  reach  the  Cumberland  river  to  make  the  ascent 
to  Fort  Donelson.  Commodore  Foote  having  completed  his  prepara- 
tions, left  Cairo  on  the  11th  of  February  for  the  scene  of  action — the 
Carondelet  having  previously  been  sMit  forward  to  reconnoitre  the 
position. 

On  the  same  day  General  Grant  issued  his  orders  for  the  movement 
of  the  land  forces  in  two  divisions,  on  the  following  morning.  The 
distance  from  Fort  Henry  to  Fort  Donelson  across  the  land  lying  be- 
tween the  two  rivers,  is  fourteen  miles.  There  are  several  roads  run- 
ning from  Fort  Henry  to  Dover,  near  which  Fort  Donelson  was  situated. 
The  divisions  were  disposed  by  brigades,  one  of  which  was  to  be  thrown 
into  Dover  to  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  enemy.  If  attempted  by  that  route. 

Fort  Donelson  takes  its  name  from  Andrew  Jackson  Donelson,  a 
citizen  of  Tennessee,  and  its  construction  was  commenced  as  early  as 
May,  1861.  It  occupied  the  best  position  for  defence  on  the  Cumber- 
land river,  standing  on  the  summit  of  a  fine  slope,  rising  to  the  height 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  from  the  river,  on  its  right  bank,  and 
mounted  sixteen  guns.  There  were  two  water-batteries,  one  of  which 
was  about  twenty  or  thirty  feet  above  the  river,  and  defended  by  nine 
pieces,  eight  thirty -two-pound  guns,  and  one  ten-inch  columbiad.  The 
second  was  some  sixty  feet  above,  and  was  mounted  with  one  ten-inch 
columbiad,  and  two  thirty-two  pound  carronades. 

Both  these  batteries  were  sunken  or  excavated  in  tte  hill-side.  In 
the  lower  one,  strong  traverses  were  left  bet\fpen  the  guns,  to  secure' 
them  against  an  enfilading  fire.  The  elevation  above  the  water  at  the 
time  of  the  gunboat  attack,  gave  them  a  fine  command  of  the  river,  and 
made  the  task  of  attacking  them  in  front  an  arduous  one.  The  range 
of  the  guns  in  arc,  was,  however,  quite  limited. 

The  third  occupied  the  summit  of  the  hill,  and  mounted  four  128- 
pound  guns.  The  camp  was  behind  the  fort  on  the  hill,  but  within 
range  of  gunboats  on  the  river. 


802  THE  WAB  FOB  THB  ITNION. 


THB  KAVAL  ATTACK. 

On  the  niglit  of  February  11th,  the  St.  Louis,  (the  flag-ship,)  Louis- 
ville, and  P;*;tsburg,  sailed  from  Cairo.  The  Carondelet,  as  already 
stated,  had  been  dispatched  a  day  or  two  in  advance,  and  at  Paducah, 
on  the  noon  of  the  12th,  the  fleet  was  joined  by  the  Conestoga  and 
Tyler.  Of  these  the  three  first  were  iron-clad  vessels.  From  Paducah 
the  fleet  was  accompanied  by  sixteen  transports,  carrying  six  thousand 
infantry,  and  cavalry  and  artillery. 

The  fleet  followed  the  flag-ship  of  Commodore  Foote,  as  they  turned 
out  of  the  Ohio,  and  began  the  ascent  of  the  Cumberland.  Passing 
onward  from  the  Ohio,  sweeping  through  Kentucky  and  Tennessee 
up  to  the  western  boundaries  of  Virginia,  the  fleet  carried  the  national 
ensign,  which  was  met  with  continual  cheers  and  responses  from  the 
people  on  the  banks. 

About  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  a  messenger  steamer,  the  Alps, 
met  the  fleet,  with  a  dispatch  from  General  Grant,  requesting  all  haste 
to  be  made,  as  the  gunboats  were  anxiously  expected.  Putting  on  steam, 
the  Alps  took  the  St.  Louis  and  Louisville  in  tow,  leaving  the  transports 
to  hasten  as  rapidly  as  they  could  be  urged.  The  former  arrived  within 
two  miles  of  the  fort  at  twelve  o'clock,  on  the  night  of  Thursday,  the 
13th. 

On  the  morning  of  that  day,  the  Carondelet,  by  order  of  General 
Grant,  had  bombarded  the  fort,  and  single-handed,  commenced  the 
attack  on  the  works.  On  the  previous  day  she  had  advanced  and  fired 
eight  shots,  but  without  drawing  out  any  reply.  The  attack  of  the  13th 
was  differently  met  by  the  fort,  as  the  shells  were  briskly  responded  to, 
and  a  vigorous  fire  was  maintained  for  two  hours.  The  Carondelet  kept 
her  bows  hard  on  the  fort,  carefully  guarding  against  presenting  her 
broadside  to  the  enemy.  She  fired  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight  shots 
in  ninety-five  minutes.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  a  ball  from  one  of  the 
128-pound  guns  entered  her  port -bow,  and  struck  a  portion  of  her  ma- 
chinery. Six  men  were  slightly  wounded  by  the  splinters  which  flew 
from  the  ship'§  timbers.  She  retired  beyond  the  range  of  the  guns,  to 
ascertain  the  amount  of  damage,  and  in  the  afternoon,  after  repairing, 
was  again  ordered  to  llie  charge,  and  fired  a  number  of  shots,  but  with- 
out sensible  effect. 

The  morning  of  the  14th  found  the  flotilla  lying  in  the  wake  of  the 
flag-ship. '  The  transports  had  arrived,  and  the  troops,  with  the  artillery, 
were  landed  about  two  miles  from  the  fort.  The  arrival  of  the  fleet,  and 
the  thousands  of  determined  soldiers,  inspired  the  troops  already'  at 
the  scene  of  action  with  new  vigor ;  long  and  tumultuous  cheers  came 
down  the  hills  from  the  army  under  General  Grant,  which  could  be  seen 


CAPTURE   OP   FORT   DOJTELSON.      '  303 

in  the  distance,  watching  the  movements  of  the  fleet.  General  Grant 
and  his  staff  had  gone  on  board  the  St.  Louis,  before  daylight,  and  an 
attack  by  the  land  forces  was  agreed  upon,  to  be  made  as  soon  as  the 
signal  gun  should  be  given  from  the  river.  Accordingly,  at  two  o'clock, 
p.  M.,  all  the  vessels  comprising  the  flotilla,  the  iron-clad  boats  St.  Louis, 
Carondelet,  Pittsburg,  and  Louisville,  and  the  two  wooden  boats,  Cones- 
toga  and  Tyler,  got  under  way.  They  were  then  about  two  miles  from 
the  fort.  The  line  of  battle  was  immediately  formed,  the  flag-ship  tak- 
ing the  extreme  right,  with  the  Louisville,  Pittsburg,  and  Carondelet  at 
the  left,  four  abreast ;  the  Conestoga  and  Tyler,  not  being  iron  clad,  re- 
mamed  in  the  rear,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  The  fleet  proceeded  at  a 
speed  of  about  three  miles  an  hour,  up  the  river.  At  twenty-five  min- 
utes to  three  o'clock  they  reached  the  termination  of  a  long  range  of 
woods  to  the  right,  and  came  in  full  view  of  the  fort. 

The  fortifications  were  distinctly  visible,  consisting  of  three  tiers  of 
frowning  batteries,  on  the  slope  of  a  steep  hill,  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet 
in  height.  About  half-past  two  o'clock,  the  enemy  opened  fire  from  a 
battery  about  twenty  feet  above  water  level,  by  discharging  a  32-pound- 
er,  but  the  shot  fell  far  short.  This  was  followed  by  another  ball 
of  larger  dimensions,  which  also  fell  short;  The  Union  men  were  anxious 
to  show  the  enemy  a  specimen  of  their  fighting  power,  but  the  Commo- 
dore would  not  permit  them  to  fire  a  gun  for  fifteen  minutes,  until  they 
got  within  cei'tain  range  of  the  fort.  At  a  few  minutes  before  three 
o'clock,  the  St.  Louis  opened  the  battle  on  .the  national  side,  and  the 
other  boats  quickly  followed.  For  a  wh^e  all  the  shot  fell  short  of  the 
mark. 

The  boats  kept  advancing  slowly  and  steadily  for  about  half  an  hour, 
when  the  order  was  given  to  slack  the  engines,  so  as  to  prevent  them 
from  coming  in  too  close  range.  The  firing  then  increased  to  a  terrific 
rate  on  both  sides.  The  enemy  poured  32  and  64-pound  balls  into  the  ves- 
sels with  great  effect,  and  the  gunners  returned  their  8-inch  shell  and  64- 
pound  rifle  balls  with  unusual  skill.  In  the  heat  of  the  action,  a  shot  from 
the  enemy's  water  battery  carried  away  the  flagstaff  of  the  St.  Louis ; 
almost  the  next  shot  took  the  chimney  guys  of  the  same  boat.  A  well 
sent  ball  from  the  St.  Louis  soon  struck  the  flagstaff  of  the  enemy,  which 
was  on  the  top  of  the  hill  behind  the  batteries.  JThis  terrible  fire  lasted 
about  half  an  hour,  when  a  6*4-pound  ball  from  the  middle  battery  cut 
the  tiller  ropes  of  the  gunboat  Louisville,  rendering  her  steering  appara- 
tus unmanageable.  About  )the  same  time  a  shot  entered  one  of  the  win- 
dows of  the  pilot-house  of  the  Carondelet,  mortally  wounding  the  pilot. 
Thus  the  control  of  two  Union  boats  was  in  a  great  degree  lost.  Shortly 
after  this,  a  32-pound  ball  penetrated  the  pilot-hoi^e  of  the  St.  Louis, 
mortally  wounding  one  of  the  pilots,  injuring  two  other  pilots,  and 


304  THE  WAB  FOB  THB  UNION. 

severely  wounding  Flag-officer  Foote.  There  were  five  men  in  the  pilot- 
house at  the  time,  only  one  of  wh()m  escaped  injury.  The  room  was 
filled,  with  pieces  of  the  broken  wheel,  chains,  room  furniture  and  rub- 
bish of  every  sort ;  there  was  no  one  there  to  take  the  helm  save  the 
Commodore — no  chance  to  call  another  to  his  aid — so,  equal  to  the  emer- 
gency, the  gallant  old  Commodore  seized  the  remaining  handles  of  the 
wheel,  and  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour  acted  the  double  part  of  commander 
and  pilot,  and  at  last,  when  compelled  to  fall  back,  he  kept  bow  to  the 
foe,  and  gave  his  orders  as  calmly  and  coolly  as  when  first  entering  the 
action. 

At  about  the  middle  of  the  engagement,  a  32-pound  rifle  shot  took 
away  the  flagstaff  and  Commodore's  pennant.  In  a  moment  half  a  dozen 
men  sprang  out  of  the  ports,  caught  the  mutilated  staft'upon  their  shoul- 
ders, hoisted  the  "  blue  flag"  to  its  place,  where  they  stood  and  held  it 
for  several  minutes,  in  the  face  of  a  most  murderous  fire. 

Thus  three  powerful  vessels  were  disabled  by  accidents  that  do  not 
happen  twice  in  a  hundred  times.  The  men  on  board  were  unwilling  to 
give  up  the  fight.  The  enemy  had  been  driven  from  the  lower  battery, 
and  their  fire  had  slackened  perceptibly.  What  remained  to  be  done  ? 
To  fight  in  such  a  current,  with  unmanageable  boats,  would,  the  Com- 
modore knew,  be  worse  than  folly.  Reluctantly,  therefore,  he  ordered 
them  to  fall  back. 

The  vessels  then  stopped  their  engines  and  floated  slowly  from  their 
positions.  They  had  been  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  fort.  The 
enemy  soon  saw  the  condition  of  the  fleet,  and  redoubled  their  fire. 
They  ran  to  the  lower  batteries  and  opened  them  on  the  retiring  vessels 
with  terrific  force.  One  of  the  guns  of  the  Carondelet  had  burst  in  the 
middle  of  the  action,  and  the  Pittsburg  had  received  two  balls  below 
water-mark,  causing  her  to  leak  rapidly.  But  they  replied  well  to  the 
reinvigorated  foe,  and  fired  the  last  shot. 

The  fleet  retired  in  good  order,  and  anchored  tAvo  miles  below  the 
fort.  The  injuries  to  the  gunboats  were  not  very  great.  The  principal 
damage  to  the  St.  Louis  was  that  sustained  by  the  shot  entering  her 
pilot-house.  She  was  struck  61  times ;  the  Pittsburg  47  ;  the  Carondelet 
54 ;  and  the  Louisville  about  40.     The  enemy  fired  about  500  shots. 

The  fleet  fired  a  little  more  than  800,  about  75  of  which  were  8-inch 
shells. 

The  demeanor  of  Commodore  Foote  during  the  engagement  was  the 
subject  of  admiration  with  every  man  in  the  fleet.  His  countenance  was 
as  placid  and  his  voice  as  mild  in  the  heat  of  the  action  as  if  he  had 
been  engdged  in  social  conversation.  He  stood  in  the  pilot-house  for 
a  long  time,  watclyng  the  effect  of  every  shot.  When  he  saw  a  shell 
burst  inside  of  the  fort,  he  instantly  commended  the  deliberate  aim  of 


"WttHWiWWO*^^ 


306  THE    WAR   FOE   THE    UNION". 

the  marksman,  by  a  message  through  his  speaking  tube.  ^VTien  the 
balls  fell  short,  he  (expressed  his  dissatisfaction  in  §uch  words  as  "A 
little  further,  man ;  you  are  falling  too  short."  During  a  part  of  the 
action  he  was  on  the  gun-deck,  superintending  the  care  of  the  wounded. 
In  the  end,  nothing  but  the  pilot's  assurance  that  his  vessel  could  not 
be  managed  with  her  broken  wheel,  induced  him  to  consent  to  a  with- 
drawal. 

Incidents  on  board  the  Louisville  were  not  wanting.  Captain  Dove 
Had  just  complimented  one  of  the  gunners  on  a  splendid  shot,  when  the 
shot  that  played  such  havoc  entered  his  port,  and  completely  severed 
the  gunner  in  twain,  scattering  his  blood  and  brains  over  Captain  Dove's 
person.  But  the  Captain  never  blanched ;  he  only  wiped  his  face,  and  in 
an  instant  was  superintending  the  replacement  of  another  gun  as  if 
nothing  had  happened.  Cool,  brave  and  determined,  he  was  througli- 
out  the  action  a  support  to  his  men  and  an  honor  to  his  country. 

THE   LAND   ATTACK. 

In  addition  to  the  two  water  batteries  already  described,  a  third  had 
been  commenced,  but  was  not  at  the  time  completed.  The  fort  stood 
on  a  hill,  and  within  its  ample  lines  nearly  a  hundred  large  and  sub- 
stantial log-houses  had  been  erected  for  quarters.  In  order  to  prevent 
any  lodgment  of  an  opposing  force  on  the  hills  back  of  the  fort,  it  was 
necessary  to  construct  a  line  of  defenses  around  the  fort,  at  the  distance 
of  a  mile,  and  in  some  places  more  than  a  mile,  from  the  principal  work. 
These  outworks  extended  from  a  creek  on  the  north  side  of  the  works 
to  another  which  entered  a  quarter  of  a  mile  below.  Both  of  these 
streams  were  filled  with  backwater  from  the  swollen  river,  for  the  dis- 
tance of  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  their  mouths.  This  chain  of 
breastworks  and  the  miry  bed  of  the  creeks  formed  a  most  complete 
impediment  to  the  marching  of  an  artillery  foi^e  within  sight  of  the 
main  fort.  This  line  of  works  Avas  not  less  than  three  miles  in  length, 
breast  high,  and  formed  from  a  ditch  on  either  side,  so  as  to  answer  the 
purpose  of  rifle  pits  and  parapets.  At  intervals  on  every  elevation 
platforms  had  been  constructed  and  mounted  with  howitzers  and  light 
field  pieces.  Such  were  the  works,  defended  by  from  20,000  to  25,000 
men,  that  the  national  troops  were  determined  to  take  by  assault. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  of  February,  the  national  troops 
left  Fort  Henry  with  two  days'  rations  in  their  haversacks,  without 
tents  or  wagons,  except  such  as  were  necessary  to  convey  a  surplus  of 
commissary  stores  and  ammunition,  and  ambulances  for  the  sick. 

The  expedition  under  the  command  of  Brigadier-General  U.  S.  Grant, 
was  divided  into  three  columns — the  division  under  Brigadier-General 
McClemand,  taking  the  road  from  Fort  Henry  to  Dover,  running  to  the 


CAPTTTRB    OF   FOKT   DONELSON.  307 

soutb  of  the  enemy's  positioti  ;  the  second  division,  under  command  of 
Brigadier-General  C.  F.  Smith,  taking  the  direct  or  telegraph  road  to 
the  fort ;  the  third  division,  subsequently  placed  under  the  lead  of  Bri- 
gadier-General L.  Wallace,  being  sent  round  by  Paducah  and  Smith- 
land,  ascending  the  Cumberland,  under  the  escort  of  the  gunboats. 
Each  of  these  divisions  consisted  of  about  ten  regiments  of  infantry, 
batteries,  and  cavalry. 

First  Divisioji,  Brigadier-Oeneral  McClernand.  —  \st  Brigade,  Col. 
Oglesby,  acting. — 8th  Illinois,  Lieut.  Col.  Rhodes;  18th  Illinois,  Col. 
Lawler;  29th  Illinois,  Col.  Reardon;  13th  Illinois,  Col.  Dennis;  31st 
Illinois,  Col.  J.  A.  Logan ;  Schwartz's  battery ;  Dresser's  battery ;  4 
battalions  Illinois  cavalry.  2d  Brigade,  Col.  W.  H.  L.  "Wallace,  acting. — 
11th  Illinois,  Lieut.  Col.  Hart;  20th  Illinois,  Col.  Marsh;  48th  Illinois, 
Col.  Smith ;  49th  Illinois,  Col.  Hainey ;  Taylor's  battery ;  McAllister*B 
battery ;  4th  and  7th  Illinois  cavalry.  Cols.  Kellogg  and  Dickey. 
I*  Second  Division,  Brigadier-General  C.  F.  Smith, — \st  Brigade,  Col. 
Cook,  acting. — 7th  Illinois,  50th  Illinois,  12th  Iowa;  13th  Missouri,  Col. 
"Wright ;  52d  Indiana;  3  batteries  Missouri  1st  artillery,  Maj.  Cavender 
commanding ;  Capts.  Richardson,  Stone,  and  Walker.  2rf  Brigade^ 
Col.  Lauman,  acting. — 7th  Iowa,  Lieut.-Col.  Parrott ;  2d  Iowa,  CoL 
Tuttle;  14th  Iowa,  Col.  Shaw;  25th  Indiana,  Col.  Veatch;  56tLi 
Indiana. 

Third  Division,  Brigadier-General  Lewis  Wallace. — 1st  Brigade,  Col. 
Croft,  acting. — 17th  Kentucl^,  25th  Kentucky,  31st  Indiana,  44th  In- 
diana, Col.  Hugh  B.  Reed.  2c?  Brigade,  Col.  Thayer,  acting. — Ist 
Nebraska,  Lieut.  Col.  McCord;  13th  Missouri,  Col.  Wright ;  48th  Ohio, 
Col.  Sullivan  ;  58th  Ohio,  Col.  Bousenwein;  Willett's  Chicago  battery. 

By  nine  o'clock  all  the  forces  were  on  the  march.  The  division  of 
General  McClernand  took  the  upper  or  southern  road  to  Dover.  The 
division  of  General  Smith  proceeded  by  the  northern  or  telegraph  road, 
running  directly  to  the  fort.  The  route  lay  througR  broken  and  undu- 
lating lands.  Small  streams  of  the  purest  water  w^ere  crossed  at  every 
ravine.  The  hills  were  in  places  covered  with  green  pines  and  tall,  heavy 
timber,  The  weather  was  mild  and  spring-like ;  the  men  in  admirable 
spirits,  marching  in  regular  order,  and  the  surrounding  scenery  almost 
tropical  in  its  luxuriance.  At  about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the 
advanced  skirmishers  of  McCleraand's  division  came  in  sight  of  the 
enemy's  tents  stretching  between  the  hill  upon  which  the  fort  was  situ- 
ated, and  the  next,  on  Dover  ledge. 

Word  was  passed  back  to  General  Grant  that  the  enemy  and  his  camp 
had  been  sighted.  General  Grant  at  once  ordered  up  the  rear  of  the 
column.  Dresser's  battery  was  posted  on  an  eminence  overlooking  the 
tents,  and  a  few  shells  sent  into  the  camp.    There  was  a  general  and 


\ 


808  TUE   WAR   FOR   THE   imiOlf. 

promiscuous  scattering  of  men  from  the  camps  into  the  earthworks  to 
right  and  left.  General  Grant  immediately  ordered  the  division  of 
General  Smith  into  line  of  battle  on  the  ravine  back  of  the  main  eleva- 
tion. A  column  of  men  was  pushed  up  on  the  left  of  "the  fort.  Scouts 
returned  saying  that  the  breastworks  could  be  discovered  on  the 
extreme  left.  An  hour  or  two  was  then  spent  in  reconnoitering  along 
the  various  hflls  surrounding  the  enemy's  position. 

This  preliminary  skirmish  was  soon  over,  and  the  enemy  had  fallen 
back  within  his  intrenchments,  when  the  shades  of  night  fell  upon  the 
two  armies.  Many  of  the  Federal  soldiers,  in  anticipation  of  an  engage- 
ment,-had  relieved  themselves  of  their  overcoats,  blankets,  and  haver- 
sacks, and  were  altogether  unprepared  for  the  experience  of  the  night. 
But  cheerfully  kindling  their  camp-fires,  under  a  mild  and  genial  tem- 
perature, they  gathered  around  the  cheerful  blaze  and  gradually  fell 
into  slumberous  dreams  of  home,  of  conquest,  or  of  love. 

During  the  night  the  enemy  made  a  sortie  on  the  extreme  right  of  <* 
the  Federal  lines,  which  by  its  suddenness  created  some  confusion  for 
the  time,  but  he  was  repulsed,  and  compelled  to  retire. 

On  Thursday,  the  13th,  the  attack  commenced.  The  morning  sun 
rose  brightly  on  the  scene.  The  men  were  soon  engaged  in  cooking 
what  provisions  could  be  obtained.  Several  hogs  running  at  large  in  the 
woods  had  been  shot  for  breakfast,  and  a  sumptuous  meal  was  made 
from  their  flesh.  At  sunrise  the  firing  of  riflemen  commenced.  The 
enemy  could  be  descried  behind  his  breastworks.  The  most  available 
positions  Avere  selected  for  batteries,  and  by  eight  o'clock  a  regular  ex- 
change of  shot  and  shell  had  commenced  across  the  ravine  which  separ- 
ated the  combatants.  Taylor's  battery  was  on  the  extreme  right,  next 
came  Schwartz's,  further  to  the  left.  Further  still  was  a  section  of  an 
Illinois  battery.  Across  a  deep  ravine  and  in  the  centre  of  the  position 
was  Captain  Richardson's  First  Missouri  Light  Artillery,  on  the  point 
of  a  ridge  provokingly  near  the  enemy's  lines.  Higher  upon  the  same 
rise  was  McAlister's  battery  of  twenty-four  pound  howitzers,  and  on  the 
left  could  be  heard  at  intervals  an  Iowa  battery. 

The  long  established  form  of  opening  the  fight  by  a  contqgt  of  sharp- 
shooters and  artillery  was  observed.  For  two  hours  nothmg  was  to  be 
heard  but  the  loud  thuds  of  cannon,  with  the  relief  of  a  sharp  crack  of 
rifles,  and  an  occasional  report  of  a  musket,  which  in  the  distance  could 
hardly  be  distinguished  from  a  field  piece.  Major  Cavender,  of  the 
Missouri  First,  sighted  his  twenty  pound  Parrott  rifle  guns.  Two  or 
three  shots  had  been  sent  whizzing  through  the  trees,  when  "clash" 
came  a  shot  in  front  of  the  piece.  Without  moving  a  muscle  the  major 
completed  his  task,  and  bang  I  went  a  response.  Bang  went  another 
from  the  sister-piece  under  the  intrepid  captain.  A  second  was  received 


CAPTURE  OF  FORT  DOXELSON.  809 

from  the  fort,  passing  over  the  hill,  exploding  just  in  the  rear,  a  third 
burst  directly  over  head,  and  the  combat  was  kept  up  with  spirit. 
Dresser's  battery  poured  out  shell  from  his  large  howitzers  in  splendid 
Btyle.  The  enemy  held  a  slight  advantage  in  position,  and  had  the  range 
with  accuracy.  The  shells  were  falling  fast  around  the  batteries,  doing 
however  but  little  injury.  A  few  minutes  and  a  round  shot  passed 
over  th»  gun,  and  carried  away  the  shoulder  and  part  of  the  breast  of 
artilleryman  Bernhard  of  Richardson's  battery,  killing  him  almost  in- 
stantly. The  captain  shifted  his  position  three  times  during  the  moA- 
ing,  whenever  the  enemy  got  his  range  with  too  much  accuracy. 

On  the  extreme  right  Schwartz  and  Taylor  were  blazing  away  fearlessly. 
The  ground  between  them  and  the  intrenchments  was  nearly  cleared  of 
trees,  and  they  could  observe  by  the  smoke  the  position  of  each  other  with 
accuracy.  The  firing  from  the  batteries  in  McClernand's  division  was 
continuous.  An  attempt  had  been  made  by  the  enemy  to  capture  Tay- 
Jor's  battery,  which  had  been  gallantly  repulsed.  The  rebels  had  reach- 
ed close  upon  the  battery,  and  only  an  incessant  shower  of  canister  saved 
it  from  capture,  the  infantry  not  being  formed  in  position  to  supjiort  it 
effectually.  The  Twentieth  Illinois  came  up  in  time  to  drive  the  enemy 
into  their  works. 

In  the  afternoon  General  McClernand  determined  to  make  a  formidable 
assault  of  a  redoubt  of  the  enemy,  fronting  the  centre  of  his  right.  The 
redoubt  was  the  only  one  which  could  be  distinctly  seen,  owing  to  tim- 
ber and  undergrowth.  At  this  point  the  ground  was  for  the  most  part 
void  of  large  timber,  the  barren  extending  even  beyond  the  road  on  the 
ridge  which  the  Union  troops. passed.  The  batteries  of  this  redoubt 
had  a  very  perfect  range,  and  gave  the  troops  considerable  uneasiness, 
by  blazing  away  at  them  whenever  they  passed  over  the  brow  of  the 
hill.  Three  regiments  were  detailed  for  the  work — the  Forty-eighth, 
Seventeeth  and  Forty-ninth  Illinois.  They  advanced  in  line  of  battle 
order,  the  Forty-ninth,  Colonel  Morrison,  on  the  right,  the  Seven- 
teenth, under  command  of  Major  Smith,  in  the  centre,  and  the  Forty- 
eighth,  Colonel  Hainley,  on  the  left.  Colonel  Morrison,  as  senior 
Colonel,  led  the  attack.  The  advance  was  a  most  beautiful  one. 
With  skirmishers  arrayed  in  front,  the  three  regiments  swept  doAvn 
the  hill,  over  a  knoll,  down  a  ravine,  and  up  the  high  hill  on  which  the 
redoubt  was  situated,  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  or  three  hundred  feet 
in  height,  covered  with  brush  and  stumps,  all  the  time  receiving  a  gall- 
ing fire  of  grape,  shell  and  musketry,  with  a  precision  which  would  have 
done  them  credit  on  the  parade  ground.  The  breastworks  were  nearly 
reached,  when  Colonel  Morrison,  while  gallantly  leading  his  men,  was 
struck  by  a  musket  ball.  The  captain  of  the  company  on  his  right  was  also 
killed,  while  the  Forty-ninth  fell  into  some  confusion ;  but  unappalled  the 


810  THE  WAB  FOB  THE  UNION. 

Seventeojith  still  gallantly  pressed  forward  and  penetrated  even  to  the 
very  foot  of  the  works.  But  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  man  to  scale 
the  abattis  befoce  them.  Brush  piled  upon  brush,  with  sharp  points, 
fronted  them  wherever  they  turned ;  so,  after  a  few  interchanges  of 
musketry  with  the  swarming  regiments  concentrated  there,  the  word 
for  retiring  was  given.  It  was  done  in  good  order,  by  filing  off  to  the 
left  and  obliqueing  into  the  woods  below ;  but  mi^ny  a  gallant  soldier 
was  left  behind  underneath  the  intrenchments  he  had  vainly  sought  to 
mount.  Tiiey  were  not,  however,  destined  to  die  unavenged.  Scarcely 
had  their  retiring  columns  got  out  of  range,  ere  Taylor's  Chicago  bat- 
tery opened  on  the  swarming  rebel  masses  with  shell  and  shrapnell.  The 
effect  was  fearful.  Each  gun  was  aimed  by  the  captain  liimself,  and 
when  its  black  mouth  belched  out  sudden  thunder,  winrows  of  dead  men 
fell  in  its  track. 

While  this  heavy  firing  had  been  heard  on  the  right,  General  Smith, 
had  ordered  the  enemy  to  be  engaged  on  the  left.  The  Twenty-fifth 
Indiana,  at  the  head  of  a  brigade,  led  the  way.  They  had  reached  a 
position  on  the  brow  of  a  hill  where  the  successful  assault  was  after- 
wards made,  and  were  met  by  the  enemy  in  force,  who  swarmed  behind 
the  works,  pouring  a  deadly  hail  of  bullets  and  grape  into  them.  The 
leading  regiment  broke  in  disorder  after  sustaining  a  hot  fire,  and  the 
whole''  line  fell  back  out  of  range.  The  object  of  the  sortie  had 
been  accomplished,  and  the  enemy's  forces  drawn  from  the  other  side, 
but  the  advantage  did  not  result,  as  might  have  been  -anticipated,  in 
the  occupation  of  the  fort  on  the  right  by  General  McClernand. 

Six  companies  of  the  famous  regiment  of  riflemen,  raised  by  Colonel 
Berge,  accompanied  the  expedition  from  Fort  Henry,  and  two  companies 
afterwards  arrived  by  the  transports.  This  was  a  corps  of  picked  men 
skilled  in  the  use  of  the  rifle,  drawn  from  the  Northwest. 

These  hardy  pioneers  started  out  in  the  morning,  with  a  hard  biscuit 
in  their  pocket  and  a  rifle  on  their  shoulder,  for  the  rebel  earthworks, 
where  they  remained  until  relieved  by  a  fresh  gang.  So  adventuro^ 
were  they,  that  many  of  them  crept  within  fifty  yards  of  the  rifle-pits 
and  exchanged  words  as  well  as  shots  with  the  enemy. 

One  piece  in  front  of  Dresser's  battery  was  kept  in  silence  during 
the  morning  by  the  sharpshooters  picking  off  their  gunners.  At  last  a 
shell  from  a  Union  battery,  falling  short,  drove  them  away.  One  vahant 
southerner,  to  prove  his  bravery,  jumped  into  the  rampart  to  take 
aim ;  in  an  instant  he  was  pierced  by  three  balls,  and  fell  out  of  the  in- 
trenchment,  where  he  lay  till  nightfall. 

The  firing  for  the  rest  of  the  day  was  slow,  and  appeared  by  general 
consent  to  be  abandoned.  The  Unionists  seemed  to  have  failed  in  every 
attempt  on  the  fort.     Wounded  men  were  being  brought  in  on  stretch- 


CAPTURE   OF   POET   DONKLSOJf.  311 

ers ;  some  limped  along,  supported  by  comrades,'  others  staggered  for- 
ward with  bleeding  hands  and  battered  heads  tied  in  handkerchiefs. 
Th'3  ambulances  had  brought  in  the  maimed  and  seriously  wounded. 
In  the  gray  dusk  of  evening  men  came  forth  with  spades  to  dig  the 
graves  of  their  fellow- soldiers,  whose  remains,  stiffened  in  death,  were 
lying  under  the  pale  stars. 

Hardly  had  the  camp-fires  been  kindled  for  the  night  when  a  drizzling 
shower  set  in,  which  soon  turned  into  a  steady  fall  of  rain.  The  wind 
grew  suddenly  colder.  The  weather,  hitherto  so  pleasant,  was  chilled 
in  an  hour  to  a  wintry  blast.  Snow  began  to  fall,  and  the  mercury  sank 
below  freezing  point. 

Many  pf  the  soldiers  had  lost  their  overcoats  and  blankets  durmg  the 
day.  Not  a  tent,  except  hospital  tents,  in  the  command.  Provisions 
growing  very  scarce — the  muddy,  wet  clothing  freezing  upon  the 
cliilled  Umbs  of  the  hungry  soldiers.  It  was  a  most  comfortless  night. 
Not  five  houses  could  be  found  within  as  many  miles,  and  these  were 
used  as  hospitals.  Various  expedients  were  devised  to  ward  off  the 
oold.  Saplings  were  bent  down  and  twigs  interwoven  into  a  shelter ; 
leaves  piled  up  made  a  kind  of  roof  to  keep  off  the  snow.  Large  fires 
were  kindled,  and  the  men  lay  with  their  feet  to  the  fire.  The  victims 
who  perished  of  cold,  exposure,  bunger  and  neglect,  on  this  night,  wUl 
fill  up  a  long  page  in  the  mortality  record  of  that  eventful  siege. 

On  Friday,  the  conflict  was  maintained  only  by  the  pickets  and  sharp- 
shooters. General  Grant  having  concluded  to  await  the  arrival  of  addi- 
tional forces,  before  assaulting  the  works. 

Hitherto  the  investment  had  been  made  by  the  divisions  of  Generals 
McClernand  and  Smith,  about  ten  thousand  men  each,  including  the 
cavalry  and  artillery.  A  third  division  had  been  sent  up  the  Cumber- 
land, and  should,  by  reasonable  calculation,  have  been  opposite  Fort 
Henry  on  Wednesday  night.  Here  was  Friday  morning  and  no  trans- 
ports arrived.  "What  could  have  befallen  them  ?  General  L.  Wallace, 
who  had  been  left  in  command  at  Fort  Henry,  was  summoned  over,  and 
arrived  on  Friday  evening  with  two  regiments  of  his  brigade.  Couriers 
were  seen  dashing  along  from  the  headquarters  to  the  point  where  the 
boats  were  expected  to  land.  About  ten  o'clock  came  the  joyful  inteUi- 
gence  that  the  gunboat  fleet,  with  fifteen  transports,  had  landed  five 
miles  below  the  fort.  The  troops  from  Fort  Henry  were  pouring  in, 
and  close  upon  them  came  the  troops  from  the  boats.  The  men  had 
■  heard  something  of  the  fighting,  and  moved  up  in  splendid  order,  ex- 
pecting to  be  marched  directly  into  battle. 

At  about  half  past  two  o'clock  the  sound  as  of  thunder,  with  long 
reverberations ,  in  the  distance,  told  that  the  river  guns  had  at  last 
opened  their  mouths,  and  were  paying  their  compliments  grandly  to 


312  THE  WAB  FOB  THK  UNION. 

the  rebel  batteries.  Now  and  then  could  be  seen  in  the  distance,  high 
up  in  the  air,  a  sudden  puff  of  white  smoke,  which  sprang  as  if  from 
nothing,  slowly  curling  in  graceful  folds,  and  melting  away  in  a  snow- 
white  cloud ;  it  was  a  bursting  shell,  instantly  followed  by  the  rumble  of 
the  gun  from  which  it  had  been  sent.  The  loud  roar  of  the  cannon  kept 
growing  thicker  and  faster.  The  heavy  columbiads  and  Dahlgrens  in 
the  fort  were  returning  the  fire.  One,  two,  three,  and  then  half  a  dozen 
at  once !     The  terrible  game  of  death  becomes  wildly  exciting ! 

The  gunboats  were  advancing — the  bombardment  had  fairly  begun. 
The  cheers  went  up  in  ten  thous.ind  voices.  The  death-dealing  bolts  of 
Fort  Henry  were  falling  thick  and  fast  into  Fort  Donelson.  But  little 
did  the  besiegers  know  what  protection  and  defence  nature  had  laid 
against  the  ingenuity  of  art,  which  the  insurgents  had  seized  upon  to  ac- 
complish *flieir  purpose !  No  one  considered  the  importance  of  those 
great  natural  traverses  and  curtains  of  rock  which  had  been  thrown  up 
by  the  primeval  subterranean  fires,  nor  what  bomb-proofs  and  lunettes 
the  waters  of  a  thousand  years  had  worn  into  the  sides  of  those  hills. 
The  area  of  the  place  was  so  large  that  nearly  the  whole  force  could  be 
removed  from  the  water  front,  and  thus  leave  the  shells  to  explode 
against  the  bleak  hill-sides,  or  crush  through  the  deserted  huts  of  the 
enemy. 

Meantime  an  occasional  shot  from  the  batteries  surrounding  the  outer 
lines  of  defence  must  have  told  upon  the  enemy  on  the  other  side.  The 
enemy  replied  but  feebly.  The  entire  morning  had  been  in  anxious  ex- 
pectancy, neither  party  being  willing  to  risk  the  chances  of  another 
trial  of  valor.  The  weather  was  keen  and  frosty,  the  roads  slippery  and 
clogged  with  stiff  mud. 

Saturday,  wliich  was  destined  to  witness  the  grand  denouement  of  the 
painful  tragedies  enacted  about  Donelson,  was  cold,  damp  and  cheer- 
less. The  enemy,  during  the  night,  had  transferred  several  of  their  bat- 
teries to  portions  of  their  works,  within  a  few  hundred  feet  of  which  the 
extreme  right  wing  of  the  Federals  was  resting.  Upon  the  first  coming 
of  dawn,  these  batteries  suddenly  opened  on  the  Ninth,  Eighteenth, 
Twenty-ninth,  Thirtieth  and  Thirty-first  regiments,  comprising  Ogles- 
by's  brigade,  whicli  had  the  advance.  Simultaneously  with  the  open- 
ing of  the  batteries,  a  force  of  about  twelve  thousand  infantry  and  a 
regiment  of  cavalry  was  hurled  against  the  brigade  with  a  vigor  which, 
made  against  less  steady  and  well-disciplined  troops,  must  surely  have 
resulted  in  their  entire  demolition. 

Sudden  and  unexpected  as  was  this  sally  on  the  part  of  the  enemy, 
it  did  not  find  the  gallant  Illinoisans  unprepared  to  meet  them.  The 
attack  was  made  in  columns  of  regiments,  which  poured  in  upon  the 
little  band  from  no  Jess  than  three  different  directions.    Every  regiment 


4 

CAPTURE   OF   FORT   DOXELSON.  813 

of  the  brigade  found  itself  opposed  to  two,  and  in  many  cases  to  no  less 
than  four  different  regiments.  Undismayed,  however,  by  the  greatly 
superior  force  of  the  enemy,  and  unsupported  by  adequate  artillery,  the 
brigade  not  only  held  their  own,  but  upon  two  occasions  actually  drove 
the  rebels  fairly  into  their  intrenchments,  but  only  to  ha  pressed  back 
again  into  their  former  position.  At  last  having  expended  every 
round  of  their  ammunition,  they  were  obliged  to  retire  and  give  way 
to  advancing  regiments  of  Colonel  W.  H.  L.  Wallace's  brigd'de,  the 
Eleventh,  Twentieth,  Seventeenth,  Forty-fifth,  Forty-eighth  Illinois,  and 
Forty-ninth  Indiana  regiments. 

By  raj)id  firing  from  the  two  battejj-ies  of  Taylor  and  Schwartz,  the 
enemy  was  driven  back.  The  Union  regiments  which  had  suffered  so 
much  were  withdrawn.  The  enemy  had  by  this  time  concentrated  their 
broken  troops  for  another  attack.  General  McClernand  had  already 
prepared  for  the  emergency.  Anticipating  that  an  attempt  would  be 
made  to  force  a  passage  through,  he  ordered  a  brigade  to  the  rear  and 
extreme  right  to  form  behind  the  regiments  then  in  front. 

An  hour  had  elapsed  when  the  enemy  returned  in  a  dense  mass,  re- 
newing the  fight.  The  battery  of  Captain* Schwartz  seemed  to  be  the 
object  of  their  attack.  On  they  came,  pell-mell,  with  deafening  volleys 
of  fire.  The  Union  batteries,  well  nigh  exhausted  of  canister,  poured 
a  storm  of  shell  into  their  ranks.  Ammunition  caissons  were  sent  back 
in  haste  to  get  a  fresh  supply  of  canister.  The  Ninth,  Eighteenth, 
Thirtieth  and  Forty-first  were  the  next  regiments  to  be  brought  up. 
The  crest  of  the  hill  was  contested  with  variable  success  for  a  full  hour, 
■when  the  enemy  was  finally  driven  back.  The  line  of  battle  was  so 
much  confused  that  no  connected  account  of  the  movements  can  be  de- 
tailed. The  utmost  bravery  was  displayed  on  both  sides,  until  the 
struggle  degenerated  into  a  wild  fierce  skirmish.  The  rebels  finally  re- 
tired a  third  time. 

The  Union  men  had  expended  their  ammunition.  It  was  during  this 
lull,  and  before  the  men  could  realize  the  fact  that  they  had  driven  the 
enemy  before  them,  that  the  fourth  and  Last  attempt  was  made  to  seize 
the  battery.  The  horses  being  shot,  the  enemy  succeeded  in  gaining 
possession  of  the  battery  of  Captain  Schwartz,  and  were  on  the  point  of 
turning  the  guns  on  the  Federal  troops,  when  Captain  Willett's  Chicago 
battery,  which  had  just  toiled  up  fresh  from  Fort  Henry,  arrived  on 
the  ground  and  poured  in  a  perfect  storm  of  canister,  just  in  time  to 
save  the  day.  The  rebels  fell  back  in  disorder,  dragging  the  guns  of 
Schwartz  with  them  down  the  hill,  and  gained  entrance  to  the  fort 
before  the  Federals  could  overtake  them.  Some  eager  regiments  fol- 
lowed them  to  the  embankments,  a  few  men  climbing  over,  who  were 
driven  back  for  want  of  support. 


314  THE   WAR  FOE  THB   UNION. 

The  regiments  which  suffered  most  in  this  morning's  engagement  were 
tlie  Eighteenth  and  Eleventh  Illinois ;  next  them,  the  Thirty-first  and 
Eighth.  The  expenditure  of  ammunition  must  have  been  excessive,  on 
the  hypothesis  that  each  man  had  his  cartridge  box  full  on  going  into 
action.  Forty  rounds  of  the  standard  cartridge  is  enougJi  to  fight  with, 
and  more  than  enough  to  carry  with  other  accoutrements  of  battle. 

There  were  many  instances  of  men  who  displayed  the  utmost  hero- 
ism in  this  action — some  refused  to  be  called  off  the  field,  fighting  to 
the  last  moment;  others  returned  after  having  their  wonpds  dressed. 
One  of  the  artillerymen,  who  received  a  wound,  walked  to  the  hospital, 
a  mile  or  more,  had  the  ball  ej^iacted,  and  then  insisted  on  going  back 
to  his  battery.  The  surgeon  refused,  when  he  quaintly  said :  "  Come, 
come,  put  on  some  of  your  glue  and  let  me  go  back." 

General  McClernand,  who  had  been  a  conspicuous  mark  during 
the  AvlioliJ  of  this  fight,  bore  hiras.elf  with  firmness,  exhibiting  great 
decision  and  calmness  in  the  most  arduous  situation.  Tlie  tumult  on 
the  left  having  subsided,  he  sent  a  messenger  back  to  General  Grant  to 
know  if  the  left  wing  of  General  Smith  was  secure ;  if  so  he  was  ready 
to  advance.  As  the  day. waned,  an  occasional  shot  was  to  be  heard 
from  the  gunboats,  but  no  satisfactory  account  could  be  received  of 
their  operations.  A  lull  followed  the  storm.  Both  armies  were  pre- 
paring for  the  grand  conp  de  main,  by  which  Fort  Donelson  was  to  be 
taken. 

It  w^as  resolved  to  storm  the  fort.  The  honor  of  accomplishing  this 
difficult  and  perilous  exploit  on  the  left  wing  was  given  to  General  Smith. 
When  Colonel  Lauman  led  his  brigade  in  solid  columns  up  the  steep  sides 
of  the  hill,  he  drove  the  enemy  from  his  entrenchments,  pouring  a  fear- 
ful volley  into  their  disorganized  and  broken  ranks.  The  national  ensign 
was  immediately  flung  out  from  the  earthAvorks,  and  greeted  with  deaf- 
ening cheers  from  ten  thousand  loyal  voices. 

The  shades  of  night  cast  their  canopy  over  the  contending  hosts, 
and  compelled  the  Federal  commander  to  delay  the  completion  of  his 
victory  till  morning.  Soon  after  daylight,  the  l^ederal  columns  advanced 
in  battle  array,  prepared  to  storm  the  works  at  all  points,  when  their 
eyes  were  greeted  with  innumerable  white  flags,  thrown  out  by  the 
enemy  at  every  threatened  position. 

"\V  hat  followed  may  be  told  in  few  words.  The  enemy  seeing  that  the 
Unionists  had  gained  one  of  his  strongest  positions,  and  successfully  re- 
pulsed him  in  his  most  daring  attempts  to  raise  the  siege,  took  advantage, 
of  the  darkness,  and  called  a  council  of  war,  ia  which  it  was  determined 
to  surrender.  With  all  possible  haste 'some  7,000  troops  were  dis- 
patched up  the  river  by  night.  The  rebel  Generals  Floyd  and  Pillow 
made  their  escape.    The  fort,  with  all  its  contents,  fell  into  the  conquer- 


THE    OCCUPATION    OF   NASHVILLE.  ^317 

ors'  hands.  More  than  13,000  prisoners,  Brfgadier-General  Buckner, 
with  twenty  Colonels  and  other  officers  in  proportion ;  sixty-five  cannon, 
forty-eight  field  and  seventeen  siege  guns,  a  million  and  a  half  dollars  in 
stores,  provisions,  and  equipage,  twenty  thousand  stand  of  arras — 
Avas  glorious  result,  purchased  at  comparatively  small  loss.  The  Federal 
loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  2,200 ;  that  of  the  rebels  1,275. 

At  the  storming  of  Fort  Donelson  many  acts  of  personal  valor  might 
be  recorded.  An  instance  of  reckless  gallantry,  and  fortitude  under  a 
most  painful  surgical  operation,  that  of  Hamilton,  a  son  of  Professor 
Leiber,  is  worthy  of  record.  This  young  man  was  twice  wounded  in 
the  battle  of  Fort  Donelson.  The  first  was  a  flesh  wound,  of  which  he 
made  nothing.  Presently,  however,  he  was  struck  by  a  Minie  ball  in 
the  same  arm ;  this  shattered  his  elbow,  with  the  bones  above  and  below, 
and  he  sank  to  the  ground,  fainting  with  loss  of  blood.  He  was  picked 
up  towards  night,  carried  to  a  house,  and  thence,  over  a  rough  road,  in 
an  army  Avagon,  to  the  river  bank,  a  distance  of  three  miles,  which  ne- 
cessarily caused  the  greatest  suffering.  Arrived  at  the  river  bank,  he 
was  put  on  board  a  boat  and  conveyed  with  other  wounded  to  an  hos- 
pital, where  his  arm  was  amputated.  When  the  operation  was  over,  the 
brave  young  fellow's  first  words  were,  "  How  long  -will  it  be  before  I 
can  rejoin  my  company  ?  "  At  that  time  young  Leiber  was  a  Lieutenant 
of  the  Ninth  Illinois  regiment.  He  was  appointed  aid-de-camp  by  Gen- 
eral Halleck  soon  after  the  battle  of  Donelson  as  a  reward  for  his  great 
bravery. 

THE  OOOUPATION  OF  NASHVILLE. 

Fkbeuaet  25,  1862. 

After  the  surrender  of  Fort  Donelson,  on  the  16th  of  February,  it 
became  evident  to  the  Confederate  leaders  that  the  cities  of  Nashville 
and  Memphis,  and  other  important  positions  must  soon  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  victorious  Federal  army.  Public  meetings  were  held  at 
both  these  cities,  in  which  it  was  recommended  to  defend  them  to  the 
last  extremity,  and  if  necessary  to  prevent  their  occupancy  by  the  Union 
troops,  many  of  the  more  violent  and  reckless  of  the  military  determined 
that  they  should  be  burned,  and  every  description  of  property  de- 
stroyed. At  Nashville,  the  Governor,  Isham  G.  Harris,  pledged  him- 
self to  "  shed  his  blood,  fight  like  a  lion,  and  die  like  a  martyr,"  rather 
than  submit  to  the  enemy ;  and  at  the  same  time  efforts  were  made,  but 
with  little  success,  to  organize  additional  forces  for  defence. 

During  the  progress  of  the  siege  at  Fort  Donelson,  dispatclies  were 
sent  to  Nashville,  announcing  a  series  of  rebel  successes,  and  on  Satur- 
day night  information  was  conveyed  that  the  Federals  had  again  been 


318     lh>  THE  WAR  for:  the  UNION". 

defeated  botli  on  land  and  water,  but  they  had  been  reinforced  and 
might  renew  the  attack  in  the  morning.  With  these  hopeful  and  ex 
ulting  assurances,  the  city  rested  in  peace,  confident  that  the  light  of 
the  morning  would  open  upon  a  glorious  victory  for  the  rebel  arms. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  Sunday  the  first  rumors  of  this  heavy  cala 
mity  to  the  rebel  cause  had  been  conveyed  to  the  leaders  in  Nashville. 
At  first,  suppressed  whispers  and  grave  countenances  indicated  that 
something  important  had  transpired.  But  the  people  generally  were 
confident  and  hopeful  as  on  the  evening  before,  and  anticipated  that  any 
hoixr  of  the  day  would  give  the  signal  for  a  grand  jubilee  and  irfjoicing. 
The  time, for  public  service  in  the  churches  drew  near,  and  the  people 
repaired  to  their  several  places  of  worship.  The  churches  were  partly 
filled  and  the  stress  crowded  with  the  passing  multitude,  when  a  start- 
ling rumor  broke  the  peaceful  stillness  of  the  day.  The  Federals  were 
victorious  !  Fort  Donelson  had  surrendered  !  Fifteen  thousand  Con- 
federate prisoners  had  laid  down  their  arms  to  the  invaders !  Fear, 
added  to  imagination,  ran  riot  in  the  town. 

It  was  said  that  the  Federal  troops  had  already  reached  Robertson, 
a  place  about  twenty-five  miles  from  Kashville,  connected  by  railroad, 
and  that  the  gunboats  were  at  Clarksville,  on  the  river,  on  their  way  to 
the  city.  Governor  Harris,  taking  advantage  of  his  early  information, 
had  hastily  convened  the  members  of  the  Legislature,  then  in  session  at 
Nashville,  which  had  met,  and  adjourned  to  convene  at  Memphis. 
These  circumstances  becoming  known,  gave  plausibility  to  the  exciting 
rumors  of  the  celerity  of  the  Federal  movements,  and  the  people  were 
panic  stricken. 

Before  nightfixll  hundreds  of  citizens,  singly  and  in  families,  were 
making  their  way  South,  many  of  them  having  no  idea  why  they  were 
thus  recklessly  abandoning  comfortable  homes,  or  where  they  were 
going.  Toward  night  it  was  announced  that  the  military  authorities 
would  throw  open  the  public  stores  to  all  who  would  carry  the  pro- 
perty away. 

This  Qxcitement  continued  throughout  Sunday  night,  constantly  gain- 
ing strength,  aided  by  the  destruction  of  two  gunboats  which  were  in 
process  of  construction — two  fine  New  Orleans  packets,  the  James 
Woods  and  James  Johnson,  having  been  taken  for  that  purpose.  The 
army  of  General  Johnston  commenced  its  retreat,  encamping  by  regi- 
ments at  convenient  points  outside  of  the  city.  On  Monday  morning, 
great  excitement  prevailed ;  the  public  stores  were  distributed  to  some 
extent  ampng  the  people,  while  the  army  and  hospitals  were  making 
heavy  requisitions,  and  pressing  all  the  vehicles  and  men  that  could  be  ob- 
tained to  carry  supplies  to  their  camp.  At  the  same  time,  considerable 
quantities  of  stores  were  removed  to  the  depots  for  transportation  south. 


IHE    OCCUPATION    OF   NASHVILLE.  810 

Evening  came,  and  no  gimboats — no  Federal  army  from  Kentucky. 
General  Johnston  left  for  the  South,  placing  General  Floyd  in  command, 
assisted  by  Generals  Pillow  and  Hardee.  The  apprehensions  of  the  near 
approach  of  the  enemy  having  been  found  groundless,  it  was  determined 
by  General  Floyd  that  the  distribution  of  the  stores  was  premature.  An 
order  was  sent  to  close  the  warehouses,  and  a  force  detailed  to  collect 
what  had  been  given  out.  This  was  done,  so  far  as  practicable — but  on 
Tuesday  the  distribution  commenced  again,  and  continued  with  slight 
restrictions,  xmder  the  eyes  of  the  most  judicious  citizens,  until  Saturday 
morning.  Tuesday  night  the*iron  and  railroad  bridges  across  the  Cum- 
berland were  destroyed,  in  spite  of  the  most  earnest  and  persistent  re- 
monstrances of  leading  citizens.  The  iron-bridge  cost  about  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  thousand  dollar's,  and  the  railroad  bridge  two  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand  dollars.  It  was  one  of  the  finest  drawbridges  in  the 
country. 

The  scenes  which  were  enacted  during  the  following  days,  up  to  Mon- 
day morning  the  24th,  were  still  more  exciting.  The  untiring  energy 
of  the  Mayor  and  city  authorities,  who  throughout  this  whole  affair  acted 
with  prudence  and  zeal,  was  inadequate  to  keep  the  excited  people  under 
control. 

On  Sunday  morning,  twenty-five  Federal  pickets  breakfasted  in  Edge- 
field, opposite  the  city,  and  during  the  morning  eight  of  them  seized  a 
little  stern-wheeled  steamerthat  had  been  used  as  a  ferry,  and  refused 
to  permit  it  to  continue  its  trips.  Mayor  Cheatham  immediately  crossed 
in  a  skiff",  but  found  no  officer  with  whom  he  could  negotiate.  In  the 
evening,  Colonel  Emmet,  of  the  Fourth  Ohio. Cavalry  arrived,  and  sent 
a  message  to  the  Mayor,  requesting  his  presence.  The  interview  was 
satisfactory  on  both  sides,  though  the  formal  surrender  of  the  city  was 
deferred  until  the  arrival  of  General  Mitchell,  who  was  expected  on  Sun- 
day night  Of  Monday  morning. 

On  ]\Ionday  morning  the  city  became  comparatively  quiet.  In  the 
evening  Generals  Buell  and  Mitchell  arrived  in  Edgefield,  and  under- 
standing that  the  authorities  had  appointed  a  committee,  consi_^sting  of 
the  Mayor  and  several  of  the  leading  citizens,  he  sent  a  message  request- 
ing an  interview.  The  hour  of  the  interview  was  fixed  at  eleven  o'clock, 
A,  M.  on  Tuesday.  In  the  mean  time  General  Nelson  arrived  in  the  city 
about  eight  o'clock,  a.  m.,  in  command  of  a  fleet,  consisting  of  one  gun- 
boat, the  Cairo,  and  eight  transports.  Transports  continued  to  arrive 
during  the  day,  and  at  night  the  number  reached  eighteen  or  twenty. 
A  large  portion  of  this  army  disembarked  during  the  morning,  and  occu- 
pied the  public  square,  encamping  in  the  vicinity  at  night.  At  eleven 
o'clock,  the  committee  of  citizens  were  conveyed  by  order  of  General 
Buell  to  Edgefield,  on  the  steamer  Hillman.    They  were  met  at  the  land- 


320  THE  WAB  FOR  THE  UNION. 

ing  by  Generals  Nelson  and  Mitchell,  and  escorted  to  General  Buell's 
headquarters.  The  interview  was  an  amicable  one,  General  Biiell  giv- 
ing assurance  that  the  personal  liberty  and  property  of  all  citizens  would 
be  fully  protected,  and  no  State  institutions  of  any  kind  interfered  with. 

The  first  business  of  General  Buell,  after  having  thus  established  a  cor- 
dial understanding  with  the  officers  of  the  city,  was  to  inaugurate  his 
military  authority  by  the  appointment  of  a  Provost-Marshal,  to  preserve 
order,  and  regulate  the  intercourse  of  the  Union  troops  with  the  citizens. 
Colonel  Stanley  Matthews,  a  highly  respected  and  well-known  gentle- 
man, conservative  in  politics,  was  selected  for  this  responsible  position, 
an  appointment  which  Avas  greeted  with  satisfaction  by  the  citizens. 
The  post-office  was  continued  in  the  hands  of  Colonel  J.  II.  Markland, 
a  native  Kentuckian,  and  a  gentleman  of  high  character  and  social 
standing. 

General  Buell  immediately  restored  the  mail  facilities,  which  had  so 
long  been  denied  the  people  by  the  rebellion,  and  adopted  every  measure 
to  ensure  and  restore  confidence  among  the  citizens.  Many  of  them  had 
fled  their  homes  during  the  panic,  the  stores  and  places  of  business  were 
closed,  and  the  whole  community  were  perfectly  paralyzed  during  the 
week  that  had  intervened  between  the  foil  of  Fort  Donelson  and  the 
occupation  of  the  city.  Eight  days  of  terror  afforded  them  a  fearful  illus- 
tration of  lawlessness  and  violence :  and  when  the  Federal  troops  took 
possession,  their  sobriety,  decorum  and  uprightness,  amazed  the  people* 
with  the  contrast.  The  loss  of  many  of  their  relatives,  the  deep  hostil- 
ity that  had  been  engendered  in  their  breasts,  and  the  doubts  as  to  the 
ultimate  restoration  of  the  Federal  authority,  made  the  development  of 
loyal  sentiments  a  work  of  time  and  patience.  The  retreat  of  the 
national  forces  from  Nashville,  and  the  withdrawal  of  the  protection  of 
the  Government,  would  be  the  death-warrant  of  any  person  committing 
himself  too  openly  for  the  Union  cause  ;  and  many  citizens  allowed  these 
contending  motives  to  restrain  their  welcome  to  the  flag  under  which 
they  had  so  long  enjoyed  peace,  prosperity  and  repose. 

The  government  at  Washington  took  an  early  opportunity  to  appoint 
a  military  governor  for  the  State  of  Tennessee,  in  the  person  of  Hon. 
Andrew  Johnson,  a  man  who  had  long  represented  its  people  as  Gov- 
ernor and  United  States  Senator. 

Some  of  the  ladies  of  Nashville  were  peculiarly  ardent  in  their  dislike 
of  the  Union  occupation,  and  took  especial  pains  to  avoid  or  sneer  at 
the  glorious  old  flag  which  was  directly  hoisted  in  the  most  prominent 
parts  of  the  town. 

Over  the  large  gate  at  the  Provost-Marshal's  splendid  headquarters — 
Elliott's  female  school — a  Union  flag  was  hoisted.  A  very  ardent  se- 
cesh  lady,  who  wished  to  see  Colonel  Matthews,  was  about  to  pass 


Fonx  CLINCH  AND  fSunandina.  321 

through  the  gate,  when  looking  up  she  beheld  the  proud  flag  streaming 
on  the  breeze.  Starting  back  horror-struck,  she  held  up  her  hands  and 
exclaimed  to  the  guard : 

"  Dear !  I  can't  go  under  that  dreadful  Lincoln  fliag.  Is  there  no 
other  way  for  me  to  enter  ?  "  , 

"  Yes,  madam,"  promptly  replied  the  soldier,  and  turning  to  his  com- 
rade, he  said : 

*'  Here,  orderly,  bring  out  that  rebel  flag  and  lay  it  on  the  ground  at 
tlie  little  gate,  and  let  this  lady  walk  over  it !  " 

The  lady  looked  bewildered,  and  after  hesitating  a  moment,  concluded 
to  bow  her  head  to  the  flag  which  had  so  long  protected  her,  and  passed 
under  it  with  submissive  grace. 


POET    CLINCH   AND    PEENANDIIfA,    PLA. 

On  the  28th  of  February,  1862,  Commodore  S.  F.  Dupont,  command- 
ing the  South  Atlantic  Blockading  Squadron,  set  sail  from  Port  Royal, 
S.  C,  the  headquarters  of  General  Sherman,  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
military  possession  of  the  forts  and  towns  on  the  coasts  of  Georgia 
and  Florida.  Brigadier-General  Wright  accompanied  him,  as  com- 
mander of  the  land  forces.  The  squadron  consisted  of  twenty  vessels 
of  war,  seven  transports,  and  a  few  schooners  and  smaller  vessels. 

The  first  point  of  attack  was  to  be  Fernandina,  Fla.,  an  important 
sea-port  near  the  entrance  of  St.  Mary's  river,  the  boundary  between 
Georgia  and  Florida.  The  main  channel  is  between  Cumberland  and 
Amelia  islands,  with  fourteen  feet  of  water  on  the  bar. 

Fort  Clinch,  a  regular  bastioned  Avork  of  brick,  with  heavy  casemates, 
and  guns  mounted  en  barbette,  commanded  the  entrance.  This  place  had 
been  strongly  fortified  by  the  rebels  and  mounted  with  guns  of  the 
heaviest  calibre.  Commodore  Dupont  anticipated  a  stubborn  resistance, 
but  the  garrison,  on  learning  the  approsteh  of  the  formidable  expedition, 
deemed  their  position  indefensible,  and  evacuated  the  fort,  leaving 
twelve  of  their  heaviest  guns  behind. 

The  town  of  Fernandina  was  also  occupied  by  the  Federal  forces 
without  any  resistance.  Many  of  the  inhabitants  had  fled,  and  those 
remaining  were  terrified  on  the  approach  of  the  yessels,  having  been  as- 
sured by  the  rebels  that  the  national  forces  would  subject  them  to  un- 
restrained pillage  and  abuse.  The  kind  and  conciliatory  government 
instituted  by  General  ^Vright  soon  restored  confidence,  and  the  people 
returned  to  their  homes  and  occupations. 
21 


322  THE  wAi 


FOR   THE   UNION. 


THE  MEKEIMAO  AND  THE  MONITOE. 

March  9.  1862. 

The  most  remarkable  nav^l  battle  which  has  ever  taken  place  in  the 
history  of  the  world  was  the  encounter  between  the  two  iron-clad  steam 
batteries,  Merrimac  and  Monitor,  in  Hampton  Roads,  Va. 

The  Merrimac  was  one  of  five  war-steamers  authorized  to  be  con 
structed  by  an  act  of  Congress,  passed  at  the  session  of  1844-5,  and 
was  built  at  Charlestown,  Mass.  The  spar  deck  was  281  feet  long,  and 
52  broad,  in  her  original  condition.  The  vessel  was  completed  and 
launched  in  1856.  She  was  soon  put  in  commission,  and  continued  in 
the  service  until  April,  1861,  when  she  was  lying  at  Norfolk  Navy  Yard 
for  repairs. 

"When  the  Government  property  at  the  Navy  Yard  and  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Norfolk  was  destroyed  or  rendered  unserviceable,  to  secure 
it  from  seizure  by  the  Confederates,  the  Merrimac  was  scuttled. 

Not  long  after  the  rebels  had  taken  possession  of  the  Navy  Yard  the 
Merrimac  was  raised,  and  placed  in  the  floating-dock.  Here  she  was  re- 
modeled, and  covered  by  a  sloping  roof  of  iron  plates,  four  inches  thick, 
which  bore  her  down  so  heavily,  that  it  became  almost  impossible  to 
launch  her.  When  launched  she  drew  four  feet  of  water  over  tlie  cal- 
culated draught,  and  was  again  placed  upon  the  dry-dock,  and  under 
went  material  changes  in  her  construction.  Her  bow  and  stern  were 
steel-clad,  and  the  bow  furnished  with  a  projecting  ram  for  the  purpose 
of  piercing  an  antagonist.  The  armament  consisted  of  four  eleven-inch 
navy  guns,  broadside,  and  two  one  hundred-pounder  rifled  guns,  at  the 
bow  and  at  the  stern. 

The  Monitor  was  built  by  contract,  under  the  act  of  Congress  of 
July,  1861,  appropriating  $1,500,000  for  iron-clad  vessels.  Captaii 
Ericsson  presented  proposals  for  a  battery  to  be  launched  within  one 
hundred  working  days  from  the  date  of  the  contract.  The  contract 
was  awarded  to  him  in  October,  and  on  the  one  hundred  and  first  work- 
ing day  the  3Ionitor  was  laimched  from  the  Continental  Iron  Works  at 
Greenpoint,  New  York. 

The  Monitor  is  low,  wide,  and  flat-bottomed,  with  vertical  sides,  and 
pointed  ends,  requiring  but  shallow  water  to  float  in.  The  sides  of  the 
vessel  are  formed  of  plate-iron,  half  an  inch  thick,  outside  of  which  is 
attached  solid  white  oak  twenty-six  inches  thick :  outside  this  again  is 
rolled  iron  armor  five  inches  thick.  The  incUnation  of  the  lower  hull  is 
such  that  a  ball  to  strike  it  in  any  part  must  pass  through  at  least 
twenty-five  feet  of  water,  and  then  strike  an  inclined  iron  surface  at  an 
angle  of  about  ten  degrees.     In  the  event  of  an  enemy  boai'diug  the 


THE    MEREIMAC    AND   Tni;;    AIOXITOK.  325 

battery  they  can  do  no  harm,  as  the  only  entrance  is  at  the  top  of  the 
tur|pt  or  citadel,  which  cannot  easily  be  scaled,  and  even  then  only  one 
man  at  a  time  can  descend  into  the  hull. 

The  principal  novelty  of  this  vessel  is  the  cylindrical  revolving  tnrret, 
rising  from  its  exact  centre,  in  which  the  guns  are  placed.  This  is 
formed  of  rolled  one-inch  iron  plates  bolted  tog^ether  to  the  thickness  of 
eight  inches  ;  its  internal  diameter  is  twenty  feet,  and  it  is  nine  feet  high. 
It  rests  at  its  lower  edge  on  a  smooth,  flat  ring  of  composition  metal, 
but  when  in  action  the  principal  portion  of  its  weight  is  sustained  by  a 
central  shaft,  about  which  it  revolves ;  a  massive  wedge  being  driven 
below  the  steps  of  the  shaft  on  such  occasion  to  raise  it,  and  thus  cause 
it  to  bear  up  the  turret.  A  large  spur  wheel  upon  the  shaft  is  connected 
by  a  train  of  gearing  with  a  small  steam-engine,  which  supplies  the 
power  for  turning  the  turret. 

Two  eleven-inch  guns  are  placed  within  the  turret,  in  position  precisely 
parallel  with  each  other,  on  smooth  ways,  or  slides ;  a  clamp  being  ar- 
langed  upon  the  sides  of  the  ways  for  adjusting  the  friction  and  taking 
up  the  recoil  in  such  distance  as  may  be  desired. 

The  turret  is  pierced  in  different  places  with  four  holes  for  the  inser- 
tion of  telescopes,  and  just  outside  of  the  holes  reflectors  are  fixed  to 
bend  the  rays  of  light  which  come  in  a  direction  parallel  with  the  guns 
through  the  axis  of  the  telescope,  which  is  crossed  by  a  vertical  thread 
of  spider's  web  through  the  line  of  coUimation.  The  sailing-master 
takes  his  position  in  the  turret,  with  his  eye  to  the  telescope,  and  his 
hand  upon  the  wheel  that  governs  the  motion  of  the  small  engine,  and 
turns  the  turret  so  as  to  keep  the  guns  always  directed  with  absolute 
precision  to  the  object  against  which  the  fire  is  directed.  A  scale  is  also 
arranged  for  adjusting  the  elevation  of  the  guns  with  similar  engineering 
precision.  , 

Upon  the  sides  of  the  turret  that  have  the  port-holes  through  which 
the  guns  are  discharged,  the  massiveness  is  increased  by  an  additional 
plating  three  inches  in  thickness ;  making  the  sides  of  the  turret  pre- 
sented to  the  enemy  eleven  inches. 

In  preparing  for  action,  the  awning  over  the  turret  is  removed,  and 
the  square  smoke  stacks  as  well  as  the  shorter  pipes,  through  which  air 
is  drawn  into  the  vessel,  are  taken  doAvn.  A  small,  square  tower  at 
the  bow  is  the  wheelhouse,  in  which  the  steersman  stands.  It  is  made 
of  bars  or  beams  of  iron  nine  by  twelve  inches,  interlocked  at  the 
corners.  , 

After  a  preliminary  trial  trip,  the  Monitor  sailed  from  the  Brooklyn 
Navy  Yard  for  Fortress  Monroe,  on  the  6th  cf  March,  and  at  five  o'clock 
on  the  afternoon  of  that  day,  discharged  her  pilot  off  Sandy  Uook.  Her 
officers  at  this  time  were  as  follows : 


826  THE  WAR  FOB  THB  UNION. 

Lieutenant-commanding  John  S.  Worden ;  Lieutenant  and  Executive 
Officer,  S.  D.  Green ;  Acting  Masters,  L  N,  Stoddard,  J.  W.  Webler ; 
Acting  Assistant-Paymaster,  Wm.  E.  Keeler ;  Acting  Assistant-Surgeon, 
D.  C.  Logue ;  Government  Inspector,  Alban  C.  Stimers ;  First  Assistant- 
Engineer,  Isaac  Newton ;  Second  Assistant-Engineer,  Albert  S.  Camp- 
bell ;  Third  Assistant-Engineers,  R.  W.  Sands,  M.  T.  Sunstron ;  Acting 
Masters'-Mate,  George  Frederickson. 

The  voyage  to  Fortress  Monroe  was  safely  terminated  by  the  arrival 
of  the  vessel  with  her  consort  about  eight  o'clock  on  the  evening  of 
the  eighth.  Important  events  had  transpired  in  Hampton  Roads  on  that 
day.  The  Merrimac  had  steamed  down  towards  the  sloop-of-war  Cum- 
berland, blockading  James  river,  and  demanded  a  surrender.  This  was 
refused,  when  the  monster  turned  ponderously,  and  bringing  her  bow 
to  bear  on  the  Cumberland,  dashed  into  her  side,  rending  the  timbers 
as  she  went.  She  then  drew  her  iron  prow  from  the  shattered  vessel, 
scattering  a  storm  of  splintered  wood  on  the  water,  and  receding  to  a 
safe  distance,  poured  a  broadside  in  from  her  guns.  The  crippled  Cum- 
berland, still  vibrating  in  all  her  timbers,  returned  the  broadside.  This 
was  answered  and  returned  without  intermission  for  fifteen  minutes. 
During  this  time  shot  and  shell  boomed  over  the  water,  crashed  into  the 
doomed  vessel,  and  fell  like  mighty  hail  on  the  iron  coat  of  the  Merri- 
mac. But  while  every  shot  told  on  the  quivering  wood-work  of  the 
Cumberland,  the  Merrimac  threw  off  the  iron  missiles  as  a  rock  beats 
back  the  tempest,  sending  in  her  volleys  more  triumphantly  each  mo- 
ment. The  brave  old  man-of-war  stood  up  to  the  slaughter  much  as  a 
blinded  horse,  forced  among  the  wild  bulls  of  a  Spanish  arena  falls,  gored 
to  the  heart,  but  fighting  desperately.  Half  full  of  water,  which  still  came 
pouring  in  through  her  Avounded  side,  recoiling  like  a  li\ing  thing  from 
each  outburst  of  shot  and  shell,  she  at  last  settled  slowly  to  the  waters* 
edge,  and  sunk,  pouring  out  a  defiant  broadside  as  she  went  down,  with 
the  stars  and  stripes  floating  at  her  mast-head. 

The  Merrimac  then  challenged  the  Congress,  a  Federal  sailing  frigate, 
of  1,867  tons,  but  was  also  refused  a  surrender.  This  refusal  was  re- 
plied to  by  the  guns  of  the  rebel  vessel,  and  after  a  short  contest,  when 
it  became  hopeless  to  continue  resistance,  the  Congress  surrendered,  and 
was  fired  and  abandoned.  The  evening  was  clear,  the  air  still,  the  water 
without  a  ripple,  and  the  scene  was  magnificent,  as  the  noble  vessel  be- 
came wrapped  in  its  fiery  shroud.  When  entirely  enveloped  in  flame, 
the  fire  reached  the  magazine,  and  an  explosion  took  place  which  scat- 
tered the  burning  wreck  in  one  vast  upheaving  of  fragments  and  cinders, 
kindling  up  the  sky  with  its  glare,  and  throwing  portions  of  the  wreck 
the  distance  of  a  mile.  The  Merrimac  having  succeeded  in  sinking 
the  Cumberland  and  compelling  the  Congress  to  surrender,  withdrew 


THE   MERRIMAC   AND   THE   MONITOR.  327 

for  the  night,  evidently  confident  that  in  the  morning  she  would  sweep 
away  the  rest  of  the  fleet. 

As  the  day  closed,  sadness  and  gloom  filled  the  hearts  of  the  Federal 
officers  in  the  fleet  and  Fortress.  They  felt  assured  that  the  powerful 
enemy  that  had  just  made  such  murderous  work  had  only  retired  for  the^ 
night  to  recruit,  and  then  return  to  complete  the  destruction  she  had 
commenced,  having  the  sailing  vessels  at  her  mercy.  While  despondency 
settled  on  many  brows,  and  conjectures  were  rife  as  to  where  the  Mer- 
rimac  would  direct  her  attention  the  next  day,  a  gleam  of  hope  arose. 
At  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  a  bright,  movable  light  was  discovered 
seaward,  coming  from  the  direction  of  Cape  Charles  beacon.  It  being 
known  that  the  Ericsson  Battery  had  left  New  York  two  days  previous, 
surmises  were  rife  that  this  light  might  proceed  from  her  deck.  The 
best  night  telescopes  were  brought  into  requisition,  and  in  less  than  half 
an  hour  after  it  first  hove  in  sight,  the  fact  was  circulated  that  the  Erics- 
son Battery  was  coming  up  the  Roads.  The  news  spread  like  wildfire, 
and  the  ramparts  in  the  fort  were  soon  lined  with  troops.  At  nine 
o'clock  the  Monitor  anchored  off  Fortress  Monroe. 

The  next  day,  (Sunday,  the  9th,)  dawned  fair  and  calm.  The  sun 
rose  with  almost  cloudless  splendor,  a  soft  haze  alone  hung  upon  the 
water,  so  silvery  and  transparent  that  it  hardly  intei'cepted  the  view. 

At  half-past  six  o'clock,  a.  m.,  this  haze  cleared  away.  Looking  to- 
wards Sewall's  Point  there  appeared  the  Merrimac  and  the  rebel  steam- 
ers Yorktown  and  Patrick  Henry.  They  were  stationary — the  Merrimac 
to  the  right  of  the  others,  blowing  off.  steam.  Thefi*  appearance  was 
the  cause  for  a  second  alarm.  The  rebel  craft  seemed  deliberating  what 
to  do — whether  to  move  on  and  attempt  the  destruction  of  the  Minnesota, 
which  was  aground,  or  to  attack  the  Union  fleet  anchored  near  the 
Rip-Raps.  The  appearance  of  the  Merrimac  on  this  second  visit  caused 
great  precipitation  in  the  removal  of  the  Federal  transport  fleet  to  a 
safe  harbor  a  mile  or  two  up  the  Chesapeake.  At  seven  a.  m.,  a  plan 
seemed  to  have  been  adopted,  and  the  Merrimac  steamed  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Minnesota,  which  was  still  aground.  The  Yorktown  and 
Jamestown  were  crowded  with  troops,  and  steamed  slowly  after  the 
Merrimac.  The  plan  of  the  latter  seem^  to  be  to  destroy  the  Minne- 
sota, and  then  proceed  to  shell  out  the  Umon  camp  at  Newport  News, 
land  and  take  possession  of  the  camp  with  their  own  troops. 

The  Merrimac  steamed  along  with  boldness  until  she  was  within 
three  miles  of  the  Minnesota,  when  the  Monitor  emerged  from  behind 
the  latter,  and  proceeded  towards  the  Merrimac.  At  first  the  rebel 
craft  seemed  nonplussed,  and  hesitated,  no  doubt,  in  astonishment  at  the 
strange-looking  vessel  approaching  her.  The  Merrimac  then  closed  the 
distance  between  her  and  the  Monitor  until  they  were  within  a  mile  of 


328  THE   WAE  FOB  THE   UNION. 

each  other.  Both  batteries  stopped.  The  Merrimac  fired  a  shot  at  the 
Minnesota,  to  wliich  no  reply  was  made.  The  rebel  craft  then  fired  at 
the  Monitor ;  the  latter  replied,  hitting  the  Merrimac  near  the  water 
line.  The  Merrimac  then  commenced  firing  very  rapidly,  first  from  her 
stern  gun  at  the  Monitor,  and  then  her  broadside  guns,  occasionally 
firing  a  shot  at  the  Minnesota.  The  fight  went  on  in  this  way  for  an 
hour  or  two,  both  vessels  exchanging  shots  pretty  freely.  Sometimes 
the  Merrimac  would  retire,  followed  by  the  Monitor,  and  vice  versa. 

While  the  fight  between  the  batteries  was  going  on,  one  hundred  solid 
nine-inch  shot  were  sent  up  from  Fortress  Monroe  on  the  steamer  Kan- 
cocas  to  the  Minnesota.  At  a  quarter  past  ten  o'clock  the  Merrimac 
and  Monitor  had  come  into  pretty  close  quarters,  the  former  giving  the 
latter  tvo  broadsides  in  succession.  They  were  promptly  replied  to  by 
the  Monitor.  The  firing  was  so  rapid  that  both  craft  were  obscured  in 
columns  of  white  smoke.  The  ramparts  of  the  fort,  the  rigging  of  the 
vessels  in  port,  the  houses  and  the  bend  were  all  crowded  with  sailors, 
soldiers  and  civilians.  When  the  rapid  firing  alluded  to  took  place, 
these  spectators  were  singularly  silent,  anxious  and  doubtful  of  the  re- 
sult. Their  impatience  was  soon  removed  by  the  full  figure  of  the  Moni- 
tor, with  the  stars  and  stripes  flying  at  her  stern,  steaming  around  the 
Merrimac,  moving  with  the  ease  of  a  duck  on  the  Avater.  The  distance 
between  the  vessels  was  forty  feet.  In  this  circuit  the  Monitor's  guns 
were  not  idle,  as  she  fired  shot  after  shot  at  her  formidable  antagonist. 

At  eleven  a.  m.,  the  Minnesota  opened  fire,  and  assisted  the  Monitor 
in  engaging  the  TMerrimac.  She  fired  nine-inch  solid  shot  with  good 
accuracy,  but  with  apparently  little  effect.  The  Merrimac  returned 
the  fire  with  shell,  one  of  which  struck  and  exploded  the  boiler  of 
the  gunboat  Dragon,  which  was  alongside  the  Minnesota,  endeavoring 
to  get  her  off.  For  the  next  hour  the  battle  raged  fiercely  between  the 
Merrimac  on  the  rebel  side  and  the  Union  vessels,  the  Monitor,  Minne- 
sota and  Whitehall,  but. with  no  particular  result.  The  Minnesota 
presenting  the  best  mark,  the  Merrimac  fired  at  her  frequently,  alter- 
nately giving  the  Monitor  a  powerful  shot.  The  Merrimac  made  several 
attemjfts  to. run  at  full  speed  past  the  Monitor  to  attack  and  run  down 
the  Minnesota.  All  these  aitempts  were  parried,  as  it  were,  by  the 
Monitor.  In  one  of  these  de^erate  efforts  the  Merrimac  ran  her  plow 
or  ram  with  terrible  force  against  the  side  of  the  Monitor ;  but  it  only 
had  the  effect  of  careening  the  latter  vessel  in  the  slightest  degree. 

The  rebel  boats  Yorktown  and  Patrick  Henry  kept  at  a  safe  distance 
from  the  Monitor.  The  former  vessel,  at  the  beginning  of  the  fight,  had 
the  temerity  to  come  within  range  of  the  Monitor.  The  latter  fired  one 
shot  at  her  which  entered  her  pilot-house,  carrying  it  away,  when  she 
retired  out  of  range. 


THE   MERRIMAC   AND   THE   MONITOR.  829 

The  fire  raged  hotly  on  both  sides,  the  opposing  batteries  moving 
around  each  other  with  the  skill,  ease  and  dexterity  of  knights  in  a 
tournament.  The  Merrimac,  though  the  strongest,  did  not  move  with 
the  freedom  of  her  antagonist ;  hence  the  Monitor  had  the  advantage, 
taking  choice  of  position.  At  a  quarter  before  twelve  o'clock,  the 
Merrimac  was  in  full  retreat,  heading  for  Sewall's  Point,  and  chased  for 
a  few  minutes  by  the  Monitor.  The  Merrimac  had  evidently  suffered 
to  some  extent,  and  it  was  thought  at  one  time  that  she  was  sinking. 
After  she  got  safely  under  the  gun*  of  the  rebel  battery  at  Sewall's 
Point,  she  stopped  and  signalled  for  help  from  her  consorts,  who  were 
beating  a  retreat.  Subsequently  two  tug-boats  or  gunboats  went  along- 
side, took  her  in  tow,  and  proceeded  to  Norfolk.  This  ended  the 
combflt. 

Toward  the  close  of  the  engagement.  Lieutenant  Worden  was 
standing  in'  the  pilot-house,  Avhen  a  percussion  shell  struck  the  turret, 
and  exploded.  The  openings  for  sighting  outside  objects,  through  one. 
of  which  Lieutenant  Worden  Avas  looking,  allowed  the  fine  dust  and 
splinters  to  enter,  injuring  his  eyes.  Almost  immediately  afterward  the 
same  thing  occurred,  and  this  second  injury  rendered  him  completely 
blind,  and  he  was  compelled  to  retire  below.  It  was  feared  that  he  was 
permanently  injured  in  this  gallant  encounter,  but  after  careful  ti'eatment 
his  sight  was  restored,  and  he  was  again  ready  for  duty. 

This  remarkable  encounter  between  two  iron-clad  vessels  was  re- 
garded with  the  greatest  interest  throughout  Europe,  where  its  impor- 
tance to  the  questions  of  naval  architecture  and  warfai'e  was  fully  appre- 
ciated and  understood.  It  had  not  only  a  direct  bearing  upon  the  con- 
struction and  working  of  floating  batteries,4but  it  demonstrated  that  a 
new  engine  of  war  had  been  introduced  that  might  render  valueless  for 
efiective  defence  all  the  land  batteries  against  which  these  iron  antag- 
onists might  be  brought  to  bear. 

The  destruction  of  the  Cumberland  and  Congress  on  the  first  day  of 
the  engagement,  and  the  triumphant  condition  in  which  the  Merrimac 
had  retired  from  the  heavy  broadsides  of  the  Federal  frigates,  which 
would  almost  have  destroyed  an  ordinary  vessel,  created  intense  ex- 
citement in  all  the  seaport  cities  of  the  North.  The  loud  boasts  of  the 
rebels  over  the  strength,  sailing  qualities,  and  impregnable  character 
of  their  vessel,  apparently  justified  by  the  events  of  March  8th,  led 
to  an  apprehension  thflt  she  might  be  successful  in  running  out  to  sea, 
and  visiting  Philadelphia,  New  York,  Boston,  and  other  cities,  which 
were  entirely  unprepared  for  a  sudden  attack.  ' 

The  appearance  of  the  Monitor  alongside  of  the  Minnesota,  on  the 
morning  of  the  9th,  was  altogether  unexpected,  and  the  rebel  com- 
mander evidently  knew  that  he  had  no  common  foe  with  which  to  deal. 


830  THX  WAB  FOB  I^E  UKIOX. 

OAPTUEE   OF   JACKSONVILLE,  FLA. 

March  12,  1862. 

Jacksonville,  the  principal  town  in  East  Florida,  is  situated  on  the  St. 
John's  river,  twenty  miles  from  the  sea.  Vessels  drawing  twelve  feet 
of  water  can  cross  the  bar.  An  important  commercial  city  of  Florida, 
it  was  desirable  to  restore  it  to  the  protection  of  the  government,  and 
after  the  capture  of  Fernandina,  the  commanders  of  the  expedition 
turned  their  attention  to  the  accomplishment  of  this  object.  The 
United  States  gunboat  Ottawa,  in  company  with  the  Pembina  and 
Seneca,  succeeded  in  crossing  the  bar  oft'  Jacksonville,  on  the  11th  of 
March.  Commodore  Rogers  found  to  his  great  satisfaction,  as  already 
at  Fernandina  and  St.  Mary's,  no  attempt  to  dispute  his  progress  or  re- 
sist the  restoration  of  the  city  to  its  allegiance  to  the  government. 

Contrary  to  expectation  on  both  sides,  the  approaches  to  this  place 
by  the  river  were  not  defended,  and  no  resistance  was  offered  to  the 
Union  forces  by  land  or  water.  As  at  Fernandina,  tlie  batteries  were 
evacuated,  and  the  guns  for  the  most  part  left  behind.  This  was  by 
order  of  General  Trapier,  who  is  said  to  have  acted  upon  orders  from 
General  Lee,  commanding  the  Confederate  troops  on  the  South  Carolina, 
Georgia  and  Florida  coast.  There  were  some  five  thousand  rebel 
troops  in  this  part  of  Florida — at  Fernandina,  and  on  the  line  of  the 
railroads  to  Tallahassee  and  Cedar  Keys. 

When  it  was  ascertained  by  the  Mayor  of  the -city  that  the  troops 
were  to  be  withdrawn,  l^e  held  a  consultation  with  General  Pyles,  in 
company  with  a  portion  of  the  city  council,  in  which  the  question  of  re- 
Bistance  was  freely  discussed.  The  retirement  of  the  troops,  and  the 
entirely  defenceless  condition  in  which  the  people  had  been  left,  allowed 
them  no  choice  had  they  been  ever  so  much  determined  to  dispute  the 
entry  of  the  J^ederal  forces.  The  Mayor,  H.  II.  Hoeg,  issued  a  procla- 
mation, informing  the  citizens  that  no  opposition  would  be  made,  and 
calling  upon  all  the  inhabitants  to  treat  their  expected  visitors  Avith 
proper  decorum,  and  to  do  nothing  that  would  provoke  any  ill-feeling 
between  citizens  and  soldiers. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  vessels  Lieutenant  Stevens  was  politely  received 
by  the  authorities,  who  came  on  board  his  vessel,  the  Ottawa,  and 
through  S.  L.  Burritt,  Esq.,  gave  up  the  town.  Many  of  the  inhabi- 
tants had  abandoned  their  homes,  fearing  to  trust  the  Federal  troops. 
Otliers,  however,  remained,  and  testified  their  gratification  at  the  arri- 
val of  the  fleet. 

Unfortunately,  however,  they  did  not  reach  Jacksonville  in  time  to 
save  that  beautiful  town  from  the  flames,  as  a  part  of  it  was  laid  in 


CAPTURE   OF  JACKSONTILLE.  831 

mins.  On  t.ie  afternoon  of  the  11th,  some  five  or  six  hundred  armed 
men,  claimirg  to  be  a  part  of  the  force  which  had  been  stationed  at 
Fernandina,  arrived  by  railroad,  and  announced  that  they  had  come,  by 
order  of  General  Trapier,  to  burn  the  steam  saw-mills,  lumber,  etc., 
which  might  be  of  value  to  the  Federal  authorities.  No  time  was  given 
to  save  property  of  any  description.  At  dusk  the  torch  was  applied, 
and  in  a  brief  space  eight  of  these  immense  establishments,  forming 
nearly  a  circle  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  were  in  a  blaze.  Immediately 
afterwards,  the  spacious  and  elegant  hotel,  well  knoAvn  to  Northern  in- 
valids as  the  Judson  House,  was  fired  by  unknown  persons,  together 
with  warehouses,  the  railroad  freight  depot,  etc.,  etc.  All  this  property 
was  a  total  loss  to  the  owners,  as  no  attempt  was  made  to  save  or  res- 
cue any  portion  of  it.     The  loss  was  estimated  at  half  a  million  of  dollars. 

The  population  of  Jacksonville,  before  the  war  broke  out,  was  about 
four  thousand.  It  had  a  large  trade,  as  the  St.  John's  river  is  settled 
with  plantations,  and  is  navigable  for  two  hundred  miles  above  the  town 
for  large  vessels,  and  there  were  a  dozen  steamers  running  on  it.  The 
lumber  trade  was  very  extensive  and  prosperous.  About  fifty  million 
feet  of  Florida  pitch  pine  were  sawed  there  annually.  This  business 
was  ruined  by  the  incendiaries.  The  exports  of  rosin,  turpentine,  etc., 
amounted  to  $100,000  annually;  cotton,  $250,000;  cedar,  $100,000,  etc. 
The  arrivals  of  vessels  were  about  400  yearly.  The  town  was  built 
mainly  of  brick,  lighted  with  gas,  and  was  a  great  resort  for  invalids, 
for  its  mild  and  balmy  climate.  The  Florida,  Atlantic  and  Gulf  rail 
road,  starting  here,  intersects  "v^'ith  the  road  from  Fernandina  to  Cedar 
Keys,  twelve  miles  from  Jacksonville,  and  then  goes  on  to  l^llahassee, 
the  capital,  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  and  thence  eighteen  miles  to 
St.  Mark's,  on  the  Gulf. 

General  Sherman  and  staflT  arrived  on  the  20th,  in  the  steamer  Cosmo- 
politan. He  immediately  issued  a  proclamation  to  the  people,  assuring 
them  of  protection  and  peace,  and  calling  upon  them  to  continue  their 
accustomed  business.  On  the  same  day  a  meeting  of  the  citizens  was 
held,  at  which  the  most  loyal  sentiments  were  avowed,  and  a  series  of 
very  strong  resolutions  adopted  in  favor  of  the  Union,  and  denouncing 
the  acts  of  the  secession  convention  and  the  State  authorities  in  a  most 
emphatic  manner.  The  resolutions  also  called  for  the  holding  of  a  Con- 
vention of  the  State  to  organize  a  State  government  for  Florida,  and 
called  upon  the  chief  of  the  military  department  of  the  United  States 
to  retain  at  Jacksonville  a  sufii^ient  force  to  maintain  order  and  protect 
the  citizens  and  their  property  and  persons. 

The  loyal  in<ni  of  the  town,  after  being  thus  assured  of  the  continued/ 
protection  of  the  government,  gave  evidence  of  their  patriotism  and 
devotion  to  the  constitution ;  and  for  a  time  they  enjoyed  the  peace 


832  THB  WAR  FOB  T^E   UNIOK. 

and  protection  they  so  mucl^  desired.  But  it  was  of  short  duration, 
and  thp  result  was  more  disastrous  to  them  than  the  uninterrupted 
occupancy  of  the  place  by  the  rebel  force  would  have  been.  "  Not  only 
had  the  most  important  business  establishments  been  sacrificed  to  the 
flames,  but  the  principal  hotels  and  other  buildings  had  also  been  de- 
stroyed by  the  retiring  enemy.  In  a  short  time  General  Hunter,  the 
new  commander  in  that  department,  ordered  the  evacuation  of  the  city 
by  the  Federal  troops,  and  they  accordingly  withdrew.  Immediately 
the  rebel  forces  returned,  the  secession  authorities  renewed  'their  ad- 
ministration, and  the  active  Unionists  were  arrested,  imprisoned,  their 
property  confiscated,  and  in  many  cases  their  lives  were  sacrificed. 
Some  of  them  were  fortunate  enough  to  escape  with  their  families  and 
some  personal  effects,  and  obtain  passage  on  vessels  bound  to  New  York, 
where  they  arrived,  and  narrated  a  painful  history  of  their  sufferings. 
Jacksonville  occupied  and  speedily  evacuated  by  Federal  troops,  makes 
a  gloomy  chapter  in  the  history  of  loyal  adversities  during  the  rebellion. 


OOOUPATION    or    COLUMBUS,  KY. 

March  3,  1862. 

The  city  of  Columbus  stands  on  the  Kentucky  shore  of  the  Missis- 
sippi, twenty-five  miles  below  Cairo,  which  is  at  the  junction  of  the 
Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers.  It  is  a  place  of  great  natural  strength, 
from  the  high  and  precipitous  bluffs  upon  which  the  city  is  built.  This 
important  position  had  been  early  seized  as  a  stronghold  by  the  enemy, 
and  herculean  labors  had  been  performed  in  the  erection  of  batteries 
and  fortifications,  and  the  mounting  of  immense  guns  of  the  heaviest 
calibre.  The  necessity  of  holding  Columbus  against  the  Federal  ap- 
proach, in  order  to  protect  Nashville,  Memphis,  Vicksburg  and  New 
Orleans,  was  one  of  the  great  incentives  to  the  rebel  commanders  in  ex- 
pending so  much  labor  and  time  in  its  defence.  But  all  their  calculations 
had  been  shaken  by  the  capture  of  Forts  Henry  and  Donelson,  and  the 
evacuation  of  Bowling  Green.  Their  line  of  defence  was  broken  by 
these  brilliant  movements,  their  flank  was  exposed,  and  they  were  in 
danger  of  having  their  retreat  cut  off  by  a  vigorous  movement  of  the 
Federal  army  flushed  by  brilliant  successes.  There  was  no  alternative 
but  to  risk  a  similar  defeat  and  capture,  or  to  evacuate  their  worts. 
The  latter  course  was  adopted,  and  on  February  27th,  the  army  com- 
menced its  retreat  from  the  apprehended  foe.  They  carried  away  with 
them  large  quantities  of  commissary  stores,  ammunition,  guns,  and  war 
material  of  every  description,  and  by  March  2d,  had  abandoned  their 
works  and  the  city. 


OCCUPATIOiT   OP   COLUMBUS.  838 

On  the  same  night,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hogg,  of  the  Second  Illinois 
Cavalry,  left  Padivcah  to  reconnoitre  in  the  direction  of  Columbus.  At 
tlie  same  time,  the  flotilla  at  Cairo  was  being  put  in  a  state  of  complete 
readiness  for  a  movement,  which  was  kept  a  pi-ofound  secret  from  all 
but  the  commander  and  his  advisory  officers.  Commodore  Foote,  him- 
self, was  not  acquainted  with  the  movement  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hogg. 

On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  at  daylight,  the  flotilla  left  Cairo,  and 
dropped  down  the  river.  Commodore  Foote  and  General  Collum  w^ere 
on  board  the  flag-ship  Cincinnati,  accompanied  by  the  gunboats  St. 
Louis,  Louisville,  Carondelet,  Pittsburgh,  Lexington,  and  four  mortar 
boats.-  General  Sherman  commanded  the  transports  Aleck  Scott,  L  L. 
McGill  and  Illinois,  with  the  following  troops  aboard :  Twenty-seventh 
Illinois,  Colonel  Buford,  Forty-second  Illinois,  and  two  batteries. 

On  reaching  that  part  of  the  river  which  makes  a  curving  sweep  to- 
ward Columbus,  the  vessels  took  up  various  positions,  the  mortar-boats 
being  placed  at  a  favorable  point  on  the  Missouri  shore,  where  they" 
could  shell  the  rebel  works,  and  be  out  of  sight  and  range  of  their  guns. 
"While  the  gunboats  were  gradually  nearing  the  fortifications,  a  flag  was 
discovered  flying  from  the  summit  of  the  bluffs.  It  was  at  too  great  a 
distance  to  be  distinctly  discerned,  but  the  possibility  of  the  Federal 
flag  flying  on  that  spot  was  not  to  be  entertained.  General  Sherman,  on 
a  tug-boat,  advanced  and  turned  the  bend  in  the  river,  out  of  sight  of 
the  fleet.  'No  shot  was  fired,  and  the  gunboats  followed  in  time  to  dis- 
cover the  General  and  some  of  his  men  scaling  the  summit  of  the  bluff". 
The  stars  dnd  stripes  were  floating  magnificently  where  only  a  few 
hours  before  the  flag  of  the  enemy  asserted  dominion.  The  General 
soon  ascertained  that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hogg  had  arrived  on  the  after- 
noon of  the  3d,  and  quietly  occupied  the  abandoned  fortifications,  and 
raised  the  national  colors  on  their  walls. 

The  works  were  extensive,  of  massive  strength,  capable  of  resisting 
a  protracted  siege,  and  supplied  with  guns,  of  which  128-pounders  form- 
ed a  pai*t.  The  natural  position,  as  well  as  the  immense  defensive 
preparations  which  had  been  made,  seemed  to  render  them  impregnable 
to  an  attacking  force.  Yet  with  all  these  advantages  the  enemy  had 
spiked  many  of  their  guns,  rolled  them  down  the  bluflf  into  the  river, 
destroyed  large  amounts  of  stores,  burnt  their  buildings  and  retired. 

The  Federal  forces,  jubilant  with  their  easy  conquest,  and  spared  the 
horrors  of  bloodshed,  took  possession  of  the  place  in  a  spirit  of  cheerful 
triumph.  There  was  no  drawback  to  the  rejoicing — no  dead  to  bury, 
no  wounded  to  send  their  groans  through  the  cheering  shouts  that  rang 
far  and  wide  from  under  the  stars  and  stripes  when  they  were  once  more 
flung  to  the  wind.  Columbus  was  drawn  back  to  the  Union  almost 
witho  It  an  effort. 


834  THB   WAn   FOE   THE   UNIOIT. 

BATTLE   OF    PEA    EIDGE,  AEK. 
^  Maboh  fr-S,  1862. 

One  of  the  most  brilliant  events  of  the  war  west  of  the  Mississippi, 
was  the  battle  of  Pea  Ridge,  which  lasted  from  the  6th  to  the  8th  of 
March,  and  crowned  the  national  army  with  a  splendid  victory,  after  a 
long  and  toilsome  pursuit  of  the  rebels. 

After  the  removal  of  General  Fremont  from  the  command  in  Missouri, 
the  army  which  he  had  led  from  Jefferson  City  to  Springfield,  made  a 
retrograde  movement,  falling  back  on  Rolla,  St.  Louis  and  the  towns  on 
the  line  of  the  Missouri  river.  As  was  to  be  anticipated,  the  conse- 
quence of  this  retreat  was  the  return  of  General  Price,  with  his  forces, 
and  the  reoccupation  of  the  whole  of  Southern  Missouri  by  the  insur- 
gents. They  remained  in  possession  of  the  field  until  February,  when  a 
new  national  force,  under  Generals  Curtis,  Sigel  and  Ashboth  entered 
the  field  and  advanced  rapidly  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating  enemy.  The 
rebels  fell  back,  to  avoid  a  general  engagement,  and  evacuated  Spring- 
field, on  the  12th  of  February,  near  which,  in  a  brief  skirmish.  General 
Curtis'  army  encountered  and  defeated  them.  On  the  morning  of  the 
13th  General  Curtis  entered  the  town,  and  restored  the  national  flag 
to  its  place.  Price  left  about  six  hundred  sick  men  behind  him, 
and  large  quantities  of  forage  and  wagons.  He  expected  that  the 
Federal  army  would  remain  several  days  at  least  in  Springfield,  to  give 
the  troops  rest,  satisfied  with  the  re-occupation  of  this  valuable  position. 

But  General  Curtis  was  not  a  man  to  sleep  upon  his  arms.  On  the 
morning  of  the  14th,  he  resumed  his  pursuit,  and  continued  his  march 
to  Crane's  Creek,  about  twenty-two  miles  from  Springfield.  He  pressed 
closely  upon  the  enemy,  and  on  the  17th  had  another  encounter  with 
them  at  Sugar  Creek.  This  protracted  pursuit  of  three  weeks,  at  an 
average  rate  of  twenty  miles  a  day,  is  remarkable  in  the  history  of  war- 
fare. But  like  most  western  men,  Gfeneral  Curtis  had  learned  the  art 
of  war,  and  the  expediency  of  energetic  action  to  some  purpose.  He 
had  given  up  his  seat  in  Congress  when  the  war  broke  out,  and  took 
the  field,  forgetting  politics  and  every  thing  else  in  a  burning  love  of 
his  country.  With  such  men  long  marches  and  hard  fighting  is  the 
business  of  war.    They  shrink  from  nothing  but  inaction. 

Both  armies  had  now  reached  the  soil  of  Arkansas.  The  rebels  being 
rapidly  reinforced  by  regiments  which  had  been  stationed  in  that  State 
and  the  Indian  Territory,  General  Price  was  in  a  better  position  to  give 
battle.  Upon  mature  dehberation,  General  Curtis  selected  Sugar  Creek 
as  the  best  position  he  could  take  to  w  ithstand  any  attack  which  might 
be  made  upon  him.    The  enemy  had,  in  the  mean  time,  taken  up  his  po- 


BATTLE   OF   I'EA   RIDGE.  '  336 

sition  ill  the  locality  of  Cross  Hollow,  which  was  peculiarly  adapted  to 
his  mode  of  warfare.  But  this  was  not  long  permitted,  for  on  learning 
that  the  Union  troops  were  turning  their  flank  by  way  of  Osage  Spring, 
Price's  followers  again  decamped  in  hot  haste,  leaving  behind  a  consid- 
erable quantity  of  supplies  and  munitions  of  war.  By  this  time  the  lines 
of  the  Union  army  extended  nearly  ten  miles.  The  right  was  under 
General  Sigel,  resting  at  the  Osage  Springs,  and  the  left  under  Colonel 
Carr ,  extending  to  Cape  Benjamin.  Colonel  Carr's  headquarters  were 
at  Cross  Hollows. 

Having  abandoned  Cross  Hollows,  General  Price  took  up  a  fresh  po- 
sition in  the  Boston  Mountains,  a  high  range  that  divides  the  waters  of 
the  White  Mountains  and  Arkansas,  where  every  effort  was  made  to 
rally  the  dispirited  rebels  and  augment  the  ranks  of  his  command.  Here 
it  was  that  he  was  reinforced  by  Generals  McCuUough,  Pike  and  Van 
Dorn.  These  combined  armies  were  estimated  at  thirty-five  thousand 
men. 

Matters  remained  comparatively  quiet  until  the  5th  of  March,  when 
General  Curtis  received  information  that  the  rebels  were  advancing  to 
give  battl^.  The  information  proved  coi*rect,  and  the  6th,  7th  and  8th 
will  long  be  held  in  remembrance  as  the  anniversary  of  one  of  the 
bloodiest  conflicts  of  the  war. 

Pea  Ridge  is  in  the  extreme  northwest  part  of  Arkansas,  situated  in 
Benton,  the  corner  county  of  the  State.  A  range  of  hills — a  spur  of  the 
Ozark  Mountains — sweeps  from  Missouri  jnto  this  comer  of  the  State, 
and  from  jLhence  branches  into  the  Indian  Territory,  where  the  section 
known  as  the  Boston  Mountains  is  found.  Sugar  Creek,  where  the  bat- 
tle commenced,  is  situated  close  to  Bentonville,  the  capital  of  the  county 
on  the  north.  Pea  Ridge  is  also,  adjacent  to  the  same  town,  and  forms 
a  part  of  the  mountain  range  just  described. 

At  this  time  it  became  evident  to  the  several  commanders  that  a  gen- 
eral contest  was  inevitable.  A  decisive  combat  was,  in  fact,  desired  by 
both  of  the  opposing  forces.  General  Mcintosh,  confident  of  success 
with  his  large  army,  under  the  leadership  of  Price,  McCuUoch,  Pike  and 
Van  Dorn,  believed  that  he  could  strike  a  fatal  blow  at  the  Union  cause 
west  of  the  Mississippi,  by  the  annihilation  of  the  Federal  army.  General 
Curtis,  on  the  other  hand,  was  not  less  anxious  for  a  contest,  even  at 
the  fearful  disadvantage  offered  him.  With  his  keen  discrimination,  he 
saw  the  glorious  results  of  a  defeat  of  the  four  rebel  chieftains  united 
against  him.  Should  he  prove  successful  in  the  almost  desperate  en- 
countei*,  it  would  prove  the  destruction  of  the  rebel  forces  in  the  two 
'  States,  arid  leave  a  clear  field  for  future  operation.  Should  he  fail — but 
no  true  general  even  thinks  of  that  after  he  has  made  up  his  min'l  to 
fight. 


336  THB  WAB  FOR  TUB   UNION. 

At  this  thne  his  force  was  divided  into  three  divisions,  as  follows : 

General  Sigel's  Division. — First  Brigade,  Colonel  Gruesel. — 36th 
Illinois,  Col.  Grnesel ;  25th  Illinois,  Col.  Coler ;  44th  Illinois.  Col.  Knob- 
lesdorf  Second  Brigade,  Col.  Osierhaus. — 12th  Missouri,  Col.  Osterhaus; 
l^th  Missouri,  Col.  Ilassendeufel ;  2d  MissouTi  Col.  KchaefFer.  Third 
Brigade,  Col.  Asboth. — 3d  Missouri,  Col.  Friala ;  Illhiois  Cavalry,  (one 
battalion,)  Capt's.  Jenks  and  Smith ;  3d  Iowa  Cavalry. 

General  Davis's  Division. — First  Brigade,  Col.  Benton. — 8th  Indiana, 
Col.  Benton ;  18th  Indiana,  Col.  Patterson ;  22d  Indiana,  Col.  Hendricks. 
Second  Brigade,  Col.  Juliits  White. — 59th  Illinois,  Col.  Fredericks ;  37th 
Illinois,  Col.  Bumes;  Missouri  Cavalry,  (battalion,)  Maj.  Broen;  2d 
Ohio,  Battery,  Col.  Catin;  1st  Missouri  Light  Artillery,  one  battery. 

General  Carr's  Division. — First  Brigade,  Col.  Dodge. — 4th  Iowa, 
Lieut.-Col.  Galighan ;  35th  Illinois,  Col.  G.  A.  Smith ;  24th  Missouri, 
(battalion,)  Maj.  Weston.  Second  Brigade,  Col.  Vandenier. — 9th  Iowa, 
Lieut.-Col.  Herron ;  25th  ]\Iissouri,  Col.  Phelps ;  9th  Iowa,  battery,  Capt. 
Hay  den ;  1st  Iowa,  battery,  Lieut.  David.     Thii-d  Brigade,  Col.  Ellis — 

1st  Missouri  Cavalry,  Col.  Ellis;  3d  Illinois, ;  6th  Missouri,  bat- 

tahon,  Maj.  Wright.  , 

Opposed  to  the  forces  of  General  Curtis,  just  enumerated,  the  rebel 
army  had  fully  ten  thousand  Missouri  State  troops  under  Major-General 
Price ;  six  to  eight  regiments  of  Arkansas  troops  under  General  McCul- 
loch ;  six  regiments  of  Texans  under  General  Earl  Van  Dorn ;  three 
thousand  Cherokee,  ChoctaA^and  Seminole  Indians  under  Colonel  Albert 
Pike,  all  imder  command  of  Major-General  Mcintosh.  Besides  those 
mentioned,  there  were  two  or  three  regiments  of  Louisiana  troops  and 
companies  of  Mississippi  and  Alabama  regiments  under  the  command  of 
their  respective  colonels,  majors  and  captains. 

Upon  this  occasion  the  Union  troops  were  well  armed  and  equipped, 
while  the  weapons  of  the  rebels  varied  in  character  and  effectiveness. 
Many  of  them  were  excellent,  embracing  !Minie  rifles,  Enfield  muskets, 
and  good  United  States  muskets.  The  larger  portion,  however,  were 
hunting  rifles  aifc  shot-guns.  The  rebels  had  eighty-two  field  pieces, 
twenty  of  which  were  rifled,  while  General  Curtis'  forces  had  but  forty- 
nine  ;  nearly  all,  however,  were  of  superior  manufacture  and  destructive 
power. 

On  the  evening  of  the  5th  of  March,  the  scouts  of  General  Sigel 
brought  in  word,  that  large  forces  of  the  rebel  cavalry  were  on  the  Pine- 
ville  road  at  Osage  Spring.  Sigel  was  evidently  in  a  bad  position,  and 
on  the  following  day  he  commenced  moving  back,  his  pickets  being  dri- 
ven in  before  he  could  get  his  wagon  train  in  motion.  His  route  lay  a 
few  miles  to  the  north,  when  he  struck  the  bed  of  Sugar  creek,  along 
which  he  travelled  six  miles.    It  was  there  the  battle  first  began.    Gene- 


BATTLE  OP  PEA  RIDGE.  331 

ral  Sigel  with  two  battalions  of  Missouri  infantry  and  a  squadron  of 
cavalry  formed  the  rear  guard  of  his  division,  and  were  delayed  by  the 
ti'ain  which  moved  slowly  along  the  rough  roads.  lie  determined  not 
to  desert  a  single  wagon  to  the  rebels,  although  by  so  doing,  he  could 
have  easily  reached  the  main  body  of  the  Union  forces. 

The  enemy  made  his  appearance  with  4,000  cavalry,  at  about  10 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  a  few  miles  out  of  Bentonville,  and  immediately 
commenced  the  attack  by  a  desperate  charge.  Sigel  had  with  him  nearly 
1,000  men.  lie  sent  forward  two  hundred  infantry  to  prevent  the 
enemy  cutting  him  off,  and  with  the  remainder  he  received  the  whole 
of  the  vast  army.  He  ordered  his  men  to  stand  firm  and  take  good 
aim.  The  teams  were  put  upon  good  pace,  and  the  enemy  came  rush- 
ing on  in  Several  lines.  The  horsemen  on  the  flanks  and  infantry  in  the 
rear  awaited  their  approach  until  within  about  200  yards,  when  they 
delivered  a  terrible  volley  of  Minie  balls  into  the  rebel  ranks,  which  had 
the  effect  of  throwing  them  into  temporary  confusion.  In  a  few  minutes 
the  leaders  succeeded  in  getting  them  into  something  like  order.  This 
time  they  came  up  to  close  quarters.  The  same  volley,  succeeded  by  a 
second  and  a  third,  greeted  them.  The  enemy  came  on  in  crowds,  and 
their  cavalry  closed  all  around  the  little  band,  notwithstanding  horses 
and  riders  were  faUing  thick  and  fast  before  its  steady  fire.  General 
Sigel  rode  undismayed  along  the  whole  line,  inspiring  his  men.  Some 
of  the  cavalry  on  the  flank  had  succeeded  in  getting  across  the  road  so 
cutting  the  train  in  two.     Here  the  enemy  set  up  a  shout  of  triumph. 

It  was  short  lived.  In  a  minute  more  the  bayonets  of  the  Union  men 
had  done  their  work,  leaving  hundreds  of  dead  and  wounded  in  their 
tracks. '  The  enemy  was  driven  off,  broken  and  dismayed.  Galled  and 
maddened  at  the  repulse,  his  scattered  ranks  could  be  seen  re-forming 
to  renew  the  attack. 

The  column  was  yet  seven  miles  from  the  encampment.  A  dispatcli 
had  been  sent  forward  to  General  Curtis,  explaining  the  position  and 
asking  for  assistance.  It  was  hardly  possible  thJit  the  messenger  could 
have  been  captured.  The  enemy  was  advancing  on  the  road  and  along 
the  ridges  enclosing  the  stream.  At  about  two  o'clock  a  second  attack 
was  made  and  desperately  carried  forward.  The  rebel  cavalry  spurred 
their  horses  right  on  to  the  irresistible  bayonets,  delivering  their  load 
of  buckshot  from  their  miscellaneous  guns,  and  then  brandishing  huge 
knives,  which  every  one  of  them  carried  in  place  of  sabres. 

They  surrounded  the  rear  guard  a  second  time,  and  for  a  few  minutes 
friend  could  hardly  be  distinguished  from  foe.  The  dense  smoke  enve- 
loped the  whole  of  the  combatants,  and  for  some  time  it  was  doubtful 
whether  any  of  the  Union  band  survived.  The  faitliful  Germans  never 
faltered  for  a  moment.  Their  gallant  leader  struck  down  a  dozen  who 
22 


838  THB  WAS  POE  THE   UNION. 

clamored  for  his  life,  and  hewed  his  way  through  a  line  of  enemies  to  re- 
*  join  his  command.  The  bayonets  proved  the  invincibility  of  the  Union 
infantry  against  horsemen.  The  foe  retired  a  second  time,  and  for  an 
hour  could  not  be  induced  to  return.  By  this  time  the  advance,  which 
had  been  constantly  skirmishing  with  the  rebel  cavalry,  announced  rein- 
forcements in  sight,  and  a  faint  cheer  went  up,  which  was  re-echoed  by 
the  troops  from  the  camp.  A  third  and  last  attempt  wa'fe  made  to  cap- 
ture the  train.     It  failed,  and  the  enemy  withdrew  about  3^  o'clock. 

General  Sigel  reached  camp  at  4^  o'clock,  to  receive  the  congratu- 
lations of  the  whole  army.  His  loss  in  the  entire  march  was  estimated 
at  60  killed  and  200  wounded,  many  of  whom  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
rebels,  it  being  impossible  to  bring  them  off. 

The  night  of  the  6th  of  March  was  passed  in  a  state  of  suspense.  The 
houses  in  the  valley  had  been  appropriated  as  hospitals,  and  a  strong 
force  posted  on  the  hill  on  the  south  bank  of  the  creek  under  Colonel 
Carr,  Avith  General  Sigel  occupying  the  ridge  on  the  north  side,  while 
Colonel  Davis  occupied  the  centre,  near  the  crossing.  The  enemy,  it 
was  supposed,  would  naturally  make  the  attack  from  the  Fayetteville 
road,  and  the  baggage  trains  and  hospitals  had  been  plnced  to  the  rear 
of  tlie  lines.  During  the  night  the  manifestations  showed  conclusively 
that  he  was  approaching  in  great  strength  by  the  road  leading  from 
Beutonville  to  Keatsville,  thus  getting  to  the  flank  an^'rear.  This  road 
lies,  after  crossing  Sugar  creek,  over  a  high  table  land,  called  Pea  Ridge. 
It  extends  from  the  stage  road  westAvardly  some  eight  ^liles  along  the 
right  bank  of  Susjar  creek. 

The  ridge  is  covered  with  a  growth  of  stunted  oaks,  and  a  sprinkling 
of  larger  growth,  called  post-oaks.  Three  or  four  fai-ms  were  located 
upon  the  ridge  two  miles  west  of  the  road,  to  which  the  name  of  Lee- 
town  has  been  given.  It  was  near  these  farms  that  the  principal  part 
of  the  fighting  took  place. 

Thursday  night,  March  6th,  was  clear  and  cold  ;  the  reflection  of  the 
enemy's  camp  fires  could  be  seen  stretching  along  for  miles  to  the  right. 
On  the  Fayetteville  road  the  Union  pickets  reported  nothing  unusual. 
Several  Union  field  pieces  had  been  placed  in  position,  sweeping  that 
road.  The  men  slept  on  their  arms,  that  is  each  man  lay  on  the  ground 
in  line  of  battle  with  his  musket  by  him,  ready  for  action  at  a  moment's 
notice.  A  strong  picket  guard  was  extended  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
beyond  the  lines,  and  the  Federal  soldiers  ^waited  the  break  of  day 
with  premonitions  that  the  morrow's  sun  would  be  the  last  which  would 
rise  for  many  of  them. 

The  evidences  were  very  clear  on  the  morning,  that  a  strong  force 
had  been  posted  on  the  Fayetteville  road,  thus  standing  directly 
between  the  Union  forces  and  their  next  line  at  Cassville,  completely 


BATTLE   OP   PEA    KIDGE. 


339 


cutting  off  communication  with  the  outer  world.  The  line  of  battle 
was  changed.  Colonel  Carr  was  sent  back  along  the  Fayetteville  road 
two  miles,  with  his  right  resting  on  Cross  Timber  Hollows  at  the  head' 
of  Beaver  Creek,  a  tributary  of  Big  Sugar  Creek,  immediately  facing 
the  rebel  batteries  on  the  side  of  Elkhorn  tavern.  General  Davis,  with 
the  central  division,  was  posted  on  the  top  of  Pea  Ridge,  leaving 'sigel 
to  cover  the  camp  with  his  left  wing  resting  on  Sugar  Creek.  In  this 
position  things  stood  when  the  rebels  opened  the  fight  with  artillery  on 
the  extreme  right,  from  a  very  advantageous  position  at  the  distance  of 
a  mile.  The  Federal  batteries  soon  replied.  The  fight  raged  in  front 
of  Colonel  Carr's  division  from  10  to  11  o'clock,  when  another  battery 
was  ordered  up  to  his  supj^ort,  for  he  Avas  hotly  pressed.  The  left,  aA 
yet,  had  not  been  menaced.  General  Sigel  felt  confident  that  the  enemy 
might  be  expected  to  make  a  descent  from  the  south  side,  and  it  was 
deemed  indispensable  to  keep  the  men  ready  for  action  in  that  direction. 


ATl'ACK   OF   COLONEL   OSTEEHAUS'   MISSOURI   CAVALRY    OX   TUB   TEXAS   RANOKES. 

Colonel  Osterbaus  was  sent  with  his  brigade  in  the  morning  along  the 
high  land  in  the  direction  of  Leestown,  where  he  intercepted  the  rein- 
forcements  of  the  enemy.    This  was  on^f  the  most  spirited  and  sue- 


840  THE   WAB   FOB  THE   UNION. 

cessful  attacks  of  the  battle,  and  resulted  in  a  complete  diversion  of  the 
enemy  from  tlie  overpowered  forces  of  Colonel  Carr,  on  the  Fayettevillo 
road. 

The  Union  cavalry  penetrated  along  the  main  ridge  beyond  the  road 
by  wliich  the  enemy  had  advanced,  and  were  on  the  point  of  seizing 
some  of  liis  wagons  when  a  brigade  of  rebel  cavalry  and  infantry  at- 
tacked them.  Then  followed  one  of  the  most  sanguinary  contests  that 
ever  has  been  recorded  between  cavalry.  Most  of  the  fighting  was  done 
at  close  quarters.  Pistols  and  carbines  having  been  exhausted,  sabres 
were  brought  into  requisition.  The  rattle  of  steel  against  steel,  sabres 
against  muskets  and  cutlasses,  was  terrific.  The  rebels  were  Texas 
Rangers,  and  fouglit  like  demons.  The  slaughter  was  aAvful.  The 
Missouri  cavalry  cleaving  right  and  left,  left  wiiu'ows  of  dead  and 
wounded  in  front  of  their  horses.  The  enemy  fell  back  in  dismay,  the 
valorous  Federals  pursued  them  along  the  road  for  a  mile,  when  they 
opened  a  battery  upon  the  mass  of  friends  and  foes,  plowing  through 
them  with  solid  shot  and  shell.  Colonel  Osterhaus  liad  succeeded  in 
his  attempt,  and  retired,  bringing  off  his  dead  and  wounded  in  safety. 

Meantime  the  contest  was  raging  furiously  on  the  extreme  right  on  both 
sides  of  the  Fayetteville  road.  Tiie  First  and  Second  Iowa  batteries, 
planted  at  an  eminence  overlooking  the  declivity  in  the  road,  were 
plying  shrapnel  and  canister  into  the  ranks  of  the  enemy,  who  ajjpeared 
in  immense  numbers  on  all  sides,  as  if  to  surround  the  right  of  the  Union 
line,  and  thus  completely  environ  them.  In  order  to  defeat  this,  object, 
a  severe  struggle  took  place  for  the  occupancy  of  a  rising  knoll  on  the 
east  side  of  the  road.  The  enemy  gained  upon  the  Federals,  and  it  was 
not  imtil  the  men  were  half  stricken  down  that  they  yielded  the  point. 
Word  had  been  passed  back  to  General  Curtis  that  the  enemy  was 
pressing  severely  on  the  right  flank,  and  the  Union  forces  were  sent  back. 
The  section  of  a  battery  had  been  left  on  the  hill,  and  the  enemy  was 
now  turning  it  upon  the  Union  lines.  Colonel  Carr,  fearing  that  no  rein- 
forcements would  arrive,  collected  his  strength,  and  mustered  his  entire 
force  for  a  last  desperate  charge,  resolved  to  retake  the  position  or  perish 
in  the  attempt.  A  heavy  firing  on  the  centre,  and  a  cheer  from  the  ad- 
vancing division  of  General  Davis  favored  the  effort.  The  troops  mai'ched 
up  to  the  battery  amid  a  storm  of  shot  from  their  own  guns,  and,  after 
a  desperate  hand-to-hand  stiniggle,  finally  drove  the  enemy  down  the 
ravine,  in  hopeless  confusion.  Colonel  Carr  received  a  wound  in  the 
arm,  but  remained  on  the  field. 

During  the  night  a  sharp  fire  of  artillery  had  been  kept  up  upon  the 
left,  and  from  two  Missouri  batteries  on  the  centre,  under  Colonels  Pat- 
terson and  Fiala.  The  enemy  had  made  frequent  attempts  to  gain  a 
position  nearer  the  Union  lines,  and  succeeded  in  getting  so  near  that  the 


BATTLE    OF    PEA    KIDGE.  341 

balls  from  their  guns  would  strike  near  the  tents  and  baggage  wagons. 
Towards  night  the  enemy  made  an  attempt  to  break  the  Federal  centre, 
but  the  timely  support  of  a  brigade  of  General  Sigel  and  a  section  of 
artillery  promptly  repulsed  them.  The  night  closed  with  skirmishing 
and  sharpshooting. 

Occasionally  the  report  of  a  musket  could  be  heard  during  the  night, 
then  a  second,  and  an  interval  of  silence.  But  few  of  the  soldiers  slept. 
The  communication  Avith  Springfield  was  cut  oif,  and  Union  messengers 
were  falling  into  the  enemy's  hands.  As  yet  the  Federals  had  gained 
little  advantage,  and  with  desperate  fighting  had  only  succeeded  in  re- 
pelling equally  desperate  attacks.  Nothing  but  hard  fighting  could 
avail  them.  Filled  with  these  thoughts,  the  soldiers  solemnly  gave  their 
wives  and  children  into  each  others'  charge,  no  one  being  aware  who  the 
survivor  would  be.  Young  men  talked  in  low  voices  of  the  loved  ones 
at  home,  fathers,  mothers,  sister^,  sweethearts — and  messages  full  of 
tender  pathos  were  left  to  be  given  after  death.  It  was  indeed,  an 
anxious,  mournful  night. 

The  fight  on  the  morning  of  the  8th,  commenced  by  a  salute  from  the 
Union  batteries  on  the  extreme  right.  General  Asboth,  with  a  regiment 
of  infantry  and  a  battalion  of  cavalry,  had  been  sent  to  the  support  of 
Colopel  Carr,  while  General  Sigel  was  moving  up  to  a  fresh  position  on 
the  ridge  near  Leestown.  The  enemy  was  unprepared  for  this  sudden 
and  vigorous  assault,  and  fled  after  a  short  and  spiritless  resistance.  They 
ran,  leaving  four  pieces  of  artillery  behind  them,  and  a  fifth  was  after- 
wards taken  in  the  pursuit.  The  enemy  was  being  turned  by  the  left 
flank,  General  Sigel  pushing  boldly  after  him.  An  hour  or  more  was 
spent  in  contesting  the  possession  of  a  spot  on  Cox's  farm,  when  the  re- 
bels fell  back  to  the  hollow. 

A  pause  ensued,  when  the  right,  under  General  Davis,  moved  along, 
and  after  a  sharp  contest  of  half  an  hour,  in  which  the  rebel  General 
Mcintosh,  was  killed,  the  enemy  began  to  retreat  to  Cross  Timber  Hol- 
low. The  whole  line  was  then  ordered  forward.  The  rebels  attempted 
to  make  a  stand  on  the  next  hill,  but  the  Union  artilleiy  played  upon 
them  with  disastrous  efiect.  The  enemy  on  the  road  near  the  tavern 
refused  to  be  moved.  General  Asboth,  with  a  large  column  of  cavalry, 
was  sent  round  to  outflank  them,  when  another  desperate  conflict  en- 
sued between  the  Union  cavalry  and  the  Texas  and  Louisiana  troops. 
The  Indians  also  took  part  in  it,  but  beyond  shrieks  and  yells  their  influ- 
ence was  not  felt.  The  batteries  of  the  enemy  fired  chains,  spikes, 
pieces  of  bar-iron,  and  solid  shot.  It  was  evident  that  his  canister  and 
shell  were  exhausted.  Now  the  Federal  batteries  on  the  right  were 
ordered  to  the  front.  Taking  a  position  within  five  hundred  yards, 
they  poured  in  an  incessant  shower  of  grape,  canister  and  shell  for  twenty 


342  THE    WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 

minutes.  A  g<  neral  bayonet  charge  was  then  ordered,  and  the  Union  line 
rushed  down  the  valley  and  ascended  the  opposite  hill,  A  cheer  went 
up  from  them  as  they  delivered  volley  after  volley  into  the  enemy's 
ranks.  The  rebels  cheered  also ;  and  it  was  evident  that  they  doubled 
the  Union  forces,  from  the  overwhelming  shout  that  rang  up  from  their 
lines. 

At  this  time  General  Sigel  was  carrying  everything  before  him  on  the 
extreme  left.  The  foe  was  running,  and  the  Union  men  catching  the 
inspiration  of  the  moment  rushed  on  in  pursuit.  Before  one  o'clock  the 
rout  was*complete. 

To  the  westward  of  Pea  Ridge  there  was  a  wide  strip  of  timber  which 
had  been  blown  down  by  a  hurricane  the  previous  summer.  Across 
this  swarth  of  uprooted  trees,  which  were  larger  and  denser  in  the  low 
lands,  the  enemy's  cavalry  and  artillery  attempted  to  retreat,  and  "\f  ere 
mercilessly  pelted  with  shell.  The  ^anic  was  overwhelming,  and  their 
defeat  decided.  Muskets,  clothing,  and  shot-guns  were  strewn  along 
the  woods.  Horses  roamed  about  in  wild  droves.  The  cries  of  the 
cavalry  men  and  the  yells  of  the  Indians,  with  the  groans  of  the  wounded, 
surpassed  all  description.  Caissons  overturned,  wagons  broken  down, 
and  horses  dying  and  dead  strewed  the  whole  road.  Thirteen  cannon, 
C  and  12-pounders,  were  taken  in  all,  besides  thousands  of  shot-gujis  and 
loads  of  provisions. 

It  was  in  this  position  of  affairs  that  General  Price  with  a  detachment 
of  his  army  had,  in  his  attempt  to  make  a  stand  on  the  Keatsville  road, 
caught  the  coAtagion  of  his  fleeing  comrades,  and  betook  himself  to  the 
northward,  Colonel  Carr  and  General  Asboth  keeping  closely  after  him. 

This  was  probably  one  of  the  most  hotly  contested  battles  of  the  war, 
when  every  thing  is  taken  into  consideration,  and  it  is  worthy  of  re- 
mark that  few  officers  were  wounded,  although  at  all  times  exposed 
even  to  recklessness.  For  three  days  the  fighting  continued,  the  men 
only  resting  during  the  darkness,  to  renew  the  attack  with  the  first  light, 
and  even  then  were  but  partially  allowed  to  slumber.  Pea  Ridge  will 
never  be  forgotten  while  we  have  a  history. 

The  Federal  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  was  1,351.  That  of 
the  rebels  about  2,000.     Generals  Mcintosh  and  McCulloch  were  killed. 


BATTLE   OF    NEWBEEN,  N.  0. 

March  14,  1862. 

Newbern,  in  Craven  county,  N".  C,  is  situated  at  the  confluence  pf 
the  Trent  and  Neuse  rivers,  which  flow  into  Pamlico  Sound,  from 
whence,  through  Ocrakoke  Inlet,  communication  is  had  with  the  Atlan- 


\ 


BATTLE   pF   NEWBERN.  345 


tic.  It  is  eighty-miles  N.  e.  of  Wilmington,  and  one  hundred  from 
Rateigh ;  has  a  population  of  six  thousand,  and  considerable  commerce. 

Tae  importance  of  Newbern  Was  early  appreciated  by  the  rebels,  who 
adopted  vigorous  means  for  its  defence.  The  approaches  4o  the  city  on 
the  south  bank  of  the  Neuse,  the  only  available  route  of  an  assailant, 
■were  defended  by  formidable  earthworks,  and,  as  a  protection  against 
gunboats,  a  line  of  vessels,  backed  by  a  chevaux-de-frise,  was  placed  in 
the  channel,  commanded  by  heavy  batteries. 

The  expedition  designed  to  operate  against  Newbern  sailed  from 
Hatteras  Inlet  on  the  12th  of  March,  the  land  forces  under  General 
Burnside,  and  the  naval  forces  under  Commander  Rowan.  The  land 
forces  consisted  of  the  brigades  of  Generals  Foster,  Reno  and  Parke, 
much  reduced,  however,  by  regiments  left  behind  at  Roanoke  Island 
and  Hatteras  Inlet,  and  not  exceeding  eight  thousand  men.  They  were 
supported  by  McCook's  battery  of  boat  howitaers,  three  companies  of 
marines,  and  a  detachment  of  the  Union  Coast  Guard.  The  distance  from 
Hatteras  Inlet  to  the  entrance  of  Pamlico  Sound  is  twenty-three  miles ; 
thence,  through  the  sound  and  up  the  river  to  Newbern,  about  fifty  miles. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  the  entire  force  started  for  New- 
bern, and  that  night  anchored  off  the  mouth  of  Slocum's  Creek,  some 
eighteen  miles  from  Newbern,  where  General  Burnside  decided  to  make 
a  landing.  The  landing  commenced  by  seven  o'clock  the  neft  morning, 
under  cover  of  the  naval  fleet,  and  Avas  effected  with  the  greatest  enthu- 
siasm by  the  troops.  Many,  too  impatient  for  the  boats,  leaped  into  the 
water,  and  waded  waist  deep  to  the  shore ;  then,  after  a  toilsome  march 
through  the  mud,  the  head  of  the  column  moved  within  a  mile  and  a 
half  of  the  enemy's  stronghold,  at  eight  p.  m.,  a  distance  of  twelve  miles 
from  the  point  of  landing,  where  they  bivouacked  for  the  night,  the  rear 
of  the  column  coming  up  with  the  boat  howitzers  about  three  o'clock 
next  morning.  This  detention  was  caused  by  the  shocking  condition 
of  the  roads,  consequent  upon  the  heavy,  rain  that  had  fallen  during  the 
day  and  the  whole  of  the  night.  It  required  a  whole  regiment  to  drag 
the  eight  pieces  which  had  been  landed  from  the  navy  and  the  vessels 
of  General  Burnside. 

By  signals  agreed  upon,  the  naval  vessels,  with  the  armed  vessels  car- 
rying the  land  forces,  were  informed  of  each  others'  progress,  and  were 
thereby  enabled  to  assist  the  march  by  shelling  the  road  in  advance. 

At  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  14th,  an  advance  of  the  entire 
division  was  ordered.  General  Foster's  brigade  marched  up  the  msdn 
country  road  to  attack  the  enemy's  left ;  General  Reno  up  the  railroad, 
to  attack  their  right,  and  General  Parke  Avas  to  follow  General  Foster 
and  attack  the  enemy  in  front,  with  instructions  to  support  either  or 
both  brigades. 


346  THE    WAK   FOE  THE   UNIOW. 

On  the  morning  of  the  14th,  at  seven  o'clock,  the  column  of  Genfral 
Reno,  on  the  railroad,  was  the  first  to  move,  the  Twenty-first  Massachu- 
setts, as  the  right  flank  regiment,  leading  the  advance.  The  regi-nent 
had  not  proceeded  far  before  it  saw  a  train  of  cars  standing  en  the 
track.  In  front  of  tlie  locomotive,  on  a  platform  car,  a  large  rifled  gun 
was  placed  in  position  to  rake  the  road.  The  men  advanced  at  the 
double-quick  and  poured  in  a  volley  with  such  accuracy  of  aim  that  the 
enemy,  Avho  had  already  rolled  the  gun  and  caisson  ofi*  the  car,  did  not 
Btop  to  unload  the  carriage,  but  ran  into  the  intrenchments,  and  the 
train  was  backed  towards  Newbern,  leaving  the  platform-car  standing 
on  the  track.  The  Twenty-first  had  got  within  short  range  of  the  en- 
emy's earthworks,  but  now  fell  back,  and,  forming  line  of  battle  in  the 
woods,  opened  fire.  The  Fifty-first  New  York  was  moA  ed  to  the  left 
and  ordered  forward  to  engage  a  series  of  redans,  the  Ninth  New  Jer- 
sey occupying  the  left  <jf  the  line,  and  the  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  held 
in  reserve,  in  rear  of  the  Ninth,  a  little  to  the  left. 

Meanwhile  General  Foster's  brigade  had  advanced  up  the  main  road 
to  the  clearing,  when  the  Twenty-fourth  Massachusetts  was  sent  into 
the  Woods  to  the  right  of  the  road,  and  opening  a  heavy  fire  on  the  en- 
emy commenced  the  action  of  the  first  brigade.  The  Twenty-seventh 
was  sent  to  their  left  to  support  them,  and,  news  being  received  that 
the  enemy  were  trying  to  outflank  the  Federals  on  the  right,  the  Twenty- 
fifth  was  sent  to  resist  the  movement.  The  Twenty-third  being  moved 
to  the  front  next  in  line  of  battle,  opened  fire  upon  the  enemy,  which 
was  replied  to  by  very  heavy  volleys,  and  a  cannonade  from  a  park  of 
field-pieces  behind  the  breastwork.  The  very  first  cannon-shot  killed 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Henry  Merritt  of  the  Twenty-third.  General  Fos- 
ter's line  of  battle  was  completed  by  moving  the  Tenth  Connecticut  to 
the  extreme  left,  a  position  which  they  were  compelled  to  maintain  under 
the  most  discouraging  disadvantages.  The  ground  was  very  wet, 
swampy,  and  cut  up  into  gulleys  and  ravines,  which  opened  toward  the 
enemy,  offering  no  protection  from  his  fire. 

General  Parke's  brigade,  which  had  followed  the  first  brigade  up  the 
main  road,  was  placed  in  line  between  the  Tenth  Connecticut  and 
Twenty-first  Massachusetts,  the  Fourth  Rhode  Island  holding  the  right 
of  line,  the  Eighth  Connecticut  the  next  place,  the  Fifth  Rhode  Island, 
next,  and  the  Eleventh  Connecticut  on  the  left.  The  line  of  battle  was 
now  complete,  the  Twenty-fourth  Massachusetts  on  the  extreme  right, 
and  the  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  at  the  extreme  left,  and  extended  more 
than  a  mile.  The  naval  battery  was  in  position  at  the  centre,  with 
Captain  Bennett's  and  Captain  Dayton's  rifles  alongside,  and  were  all 
worked  with  the  greatest  gallantry  throughout  the  day. 

The  fire  of  the  enemy  was  now  telling  so  severely  upon  the  Twenty- 


BATTLE    OF   NEWBEEN.  84*# 

first  that  Colonel  Clark  ordered  the  regiment  forward  on  a  double 
qnick,  and  at  the  head  of  four  companies  entered  the  breastworks  from 
the  railroad  track  in  company  with  General  Reno,  and  the  colors  were 
taken  into  a  frame  house  which  stood  near,  and  waved  from  the  roof. 
The  men  at  the  nearest  guns  seeing  the  movement,  abandoned  their 
pieces  and  fled,  and  the  four  companies  being  formed  again  in  line  of 
battle,  charged  down  the  line  upon  the  battery.  Colonel  Clark  mounted 
the  first  gun,  waved  the  colors,  and  had  nearly  reached  the  second 
when  two  full  regiments  of  the  enemy  emerged  from  a  grove  of  young 
jpines  and  advanced  upon  his  men,  who,  seeing  that  they  were  likely  to 
be  captured  or  cut  to  pieces,  leaped  over  the  parapet  and  retired  to  their 
position  in  the  woods. 

On  being  driven  from  the  battery,  Colonel  Clark  informed  Colonel 
Rodman  of  the  Fourth  Rhode  Island  of  the  state  of  afiairs  inside,  and 
that  officer  decided  upon  a  charge  with  the  bayonet.  His  regiment  had 
been  firing,  like  the  rest  of  the  line,  by  companies  and  otherwise.  "When 
the  command  was  given  to  charge,  they  advanced  at  tbe  double-quick 
directly  up  to  the  battery,  firing  as  they  ran,  and  entered  at  the  right 
flank,  between  a  brick-yard  and  the  end  of  the  parapet.  With  a  steady 
line  of  cold,  sharp  steel,  the  Rhode  Islanders  bore  down  upon  the  en- 
emy, and,  routing  them,  captured  the  whole  battery,  with  its  two  flags, 
and  planted  the  stars  and  stripes  upon  the  parapet.  The  Eighth  Con- 
necticut, Fifth  Rhode  Island  and  Eleventh  Connecticut,  coming  up  to 
their  support,  the  rebels  fled  with  precipitation,  and  left  the  tJnion 
troops  in  undisputed  possession. 

General  Reno's  brigade  were  still  attacking  the  redans  and  small  bat- 
tery on  the  right  of  the  railroad,  and  the  firing  was  very  heavy.  The 
Twenty-first  was  engaging  the  battery  of  five  small  pieces,  the  Fifty-first 
New  York  the  first  of  the  redans,  and  the  Ninth  New  Jersey  the  next  two. 
The  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  was  still  in  reserve,  drawn  up  in  a  hollow 
or  ravine,  from  which  they  would  move  up  to  the  top  of  the  eminence, 
discharge  their  volleys,  and  retire  to  such  cover  as  the  inequalities  of 
ground  might  furnish.  General  Reno,  becoming  impatient  at  the  loss 
of  life  which  his  regiments,  particularly  that  of  Colonel  Ferrero,  was  suf- 
fering, urged  that  regiment  to  advance  as  soon  as  possible ;  so  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Potter  took  a  color  over  the  brow  of  the  hill  into  another 
hollow,  and  from  thence  charged  up  an  acclivity  and  over  brushwood  and 
^attis  into  the  redan.  The  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  was  ordered  up  to 
participate  in  the  decisive  charge  of  the  whole  brigade  upon  the  line  of 
redans,  and  passing  through  the  Fifty-first  New  York,  as  it  was.  lying' 
on  the  ground  after  having  exhausted  all  its  ammunition,  came  under 
the  heaviest  fire,  and  without  flinching  or  wavering  moved  to  its  place, 
and  rushed,  with  the  other  regiments,  upon  the  defences  of  the  enemj. 


348  THE   WAR   FOR  THE   XTSIOHl. 

The  movement  of  Colonel  Ilartranft's  regiment  was  executed  splendid- 
ly, and  proved  a  complete  success. 

The  movement  of  the  Third  brigade  was  supported  by  a  charge  of 
the  Fourth  Rhode  Island  from  the  captured  main  battery  upon  the  works 
which  were  being  assailed,  and  the  enemy,  already  demoralized  by  the 
breaking  of  their  centre,  fell  back  before  the  grand  charge  upon  the 
left  and  front  of  their  position,  and  fled  in  confusion.  On  the  extreme 
right  the  brave  Twenty-fourth  and  its  supporting  regiments  had  been 
advancing  inch  by  inch,  standing  up  against  the  enemy's  musketry  and 
cannonade  without  faltering,  and  almost  at  the  time  when  the  Fourth 
Rho^e  Island  charged  in  at  the  right  flank,  the  colors  of  the  Twenty- 
fourth  were  planted  on  the  parapet  at  the  left,  and  the  whole  of  the 
First  brigade  poured  into  the  fortification.  The  whole  line  of  earth- 
works was  now  in  Union  hands,  and  the  cheers  of  the  Federal  men, 
from  one  end  of  it  to  the  other,  broke  out  Avith-fresh  spirit  as  each  new 
regimental  color  was  unfurled  on  the  parapet. 

The  approaches  to  Newbern  were  defended  by  a  line  of  water  bat- 
teries or  forts  communicating  with  extensive  field  fortifications.  The 
lower  fort  is  about  six  miles  from  the  city  ;  the  next  communicates  with 
the  nnfinished  batteries  and  breastworks ;  the  others  were  distributed 
about  equal  distances  along  the  shore.  The  line  of  fortifications  attack- 
ed and  stormed  was  some  three  miles  in  extent.  At  the  river  bank  a 
hexagonal  fort,  or  water  battery,  with  a  large  bomb-proof  and  thirteen 
heavy  gims,  commanded  in  addition,  the  river  approach.  By  means  of 
pivot  carriages  the  cannon  could  be  turned  upon  au'advancing  land 
force,  and  even  sAveep  the  line  of  breastworks  itself  in  case  the  garrison 
should  be  driven  out.  From  the  fort  to  th6  centre  of  the  line  a  well- 
made  breastwork  extended,  wilh  a  deep  moat  in  front.  At  the  centre 
was  a  bastion  and  sallyport,  after  which  the  breastwork  was  continued 
to  the  railroad  embankment,  which  was  used  as  a  means  of  defence. 
Beyond  the  railroad,  but  completely  protecting  the  right  flank  of  the 
main  battery,  was  a  small  battery,  of  irregular  shape,  communicating 
with  a  system  of  thirteen  redans,  or  rifle-pits,  each  pair  of  which  were 
constructed  on  a  knoll  rising  between  ravines,  the  conformation  of  the 
ground  furnishing  in  itself  a  most  admirable  basis  for  field-works.  The 
locality  was  chosen  with  rare  judgment,  and  all  that  engineering  skiU 
could  accomplish  was  done  to  make  these  fortifications  an  impassable 
barrier  to  hostile  troops.  From  the  railroad  westward,  a  swift,  deep 
brook,  with  muddy  bottom,  and  a  wide  border  of  swamp  on  both  sides, 
ran  in  front  of  the  redans  ;  and  on  the  side  of  approach,  the  timber  was 
BO  very  heavy,  that,  when  felled,  it  presented  a  barricade  which  Avould 
seem  enough  of  itself  to  stop  any  army  of  French  Zouaves.  On  the  brow 
of  each  mound,  brushwood  had  been  piled  with  regularity  to. the  height 


BATn.E    OF   NEWBERN.  349 

of  four  feet  in  front' of  the  redans,  rendering  it  extremely  difficult  to 
take  them  by  assault  from  the  front.  The  redans  were  constructed  of 
heavy  timbers,  covered  with  at  least  five  feet  thickness  of  earth,  while 
an  interior  ditch  say  three  feet  in  depth  gave  complete  protection  to  the 
garrison  from  volleys  of  musketry,  or  discharges  of  grape  and  canister 
shot. 

Inside,  the  battery  presented  a  most  revolting  appesirdnce.  Beneath 
the  parapet,  in  the  ditch,  on  the  open  ground  under  the  gun-carriages, 
lay  the  dead  and  mangled  bodies  of  rebels.  On  every  side  lay  heaped 
the  bleeding  carcasses  of  artillery  horses,  killed  by  musket  or  rifle  balls. 
Here  and  there  a  broken  gun-carriage,  or  caisson,  lay  tilted  into  the  mud. 
Stores  of  all  kinds  were  scattered  c^ver  the  ground  or  trampled  in  the 
black  mire.  Muskets  with  Srokei?  stocks  or  bent  barrels  were  thrown 
about  in  every  direction.   It  was  a  ^cene  of  wild  confusion  on  all  sides. 

It  was  not  known  with  certainty  that  there  was  no  other  battery 
erected  formidable  as  this  still  farther  up  the  road ;  but  thinking  it  best 
to  increase  the  panic  which  had  seized  upon  the  enemy.  General  Burn- 
side  ordered  an  advance.  General  Foster  immediately  sent  forward  the 
Twenty-fourth,  Twenty-fifth,  Twenty-seventh,  and  the  whole  brigade 
by  the  straight  road.  In  the  charge  on  the  rifle-pit  about  one  hundred 
rebels,  among  them  the  Colonel  of  the  Thirty-third  North  Carolina  and 
a  number  of  commissioned  officers,  were  captured.  When  these  were 
secured  in  an  old  brick-kiln  and  placed  under  guard.  Generals  Reno  and 
Parke  moved  their  brigades  after  General  Foster's,  the  former  going 
before  up  the  railroad  track  and  the  latter  by  the  country  road.  The 
march  to  Newbern  Avas  unobstructed,  the  enemy  having  apparently  all 
he  could  do  to  get  away  on  any  terms,  and  early  in  the  afternoon  the 
Union  forces  reached  the  bank  of  the  river  immediately  opposite  the 
city.  Long  before  they  came  in  sight  of  it,  however,  dense  volumes  of 
smoke  were  seen  rising  in  that  direction,  and  the  suspicion  that  the 
place  had  been  fired  by  the  enemy  was  fully  realized  when  its  steeples  and 
houses  came  in  view.  Newbern  had  been  fired  in  seven  different  places, 
and  if  the  wind  had  not  mercifully  subsided  there  Avould  hardly  have 
been  a  house  left  standing  by  nightfall.  The  splendid  railroad  bridge, 
seven  hundred  yards  long,  had  been  set  on  fire  by  a  scow  load  of  tur- 
pentine which  had  drifted  against  it,  and  the  great  structure  was  wrap- 
ped in  one  grand  sheet  of  flame.  Preparations  were  made  by  General 
Foster  to  move  his  forces  across  the  river.  This  was  accomplished  by 
the  assistance  of  a  light  draft  stern-wheel  steamer  which  had  been 
captured  with  four  or  five  small  side-wheel  boats  by  the  naval  gunboats, 
which  by  this  time  were  quite  uj)  to  the  city  wharves. 

To  the  eastward  of  the  city  a  very  large  rebel  camp,  with  barracks 
and  tents,  was  found  deserted  and  taken  possession  of.     Stragglers 


b50  TUB   WAR   FOR   THE   XJNION. 

from  diiferent  regiments  wanderfed  through  the  city  and  committed 
some  arts  of  depredation ;  but  were  speedily  checked  by  a  strong 
Provost-Guard  appointed  by  the  commanding  General. 

The  forts  taken  were  Fort  Dixie,  4  guns;  1  100-pound  rifle  and  3 
32-pounder8.  Fort  Thompson,  12  gims;  2  100-pound  rifle  and  10  32 
pounders.  Fort  Ellis,  8  guns ;  1  8-inch  columbiad,  1  100-pounder,  under 
casemate,  and  6  32-pounder8.  Fort  Lane,  4  guns  ;  2  100-pounders  and 
2  32-pounders.  Two  forts,  at  the  foot  of  the  city,  mounting  2  guns 
each.    Three  guns  on  a  car  and  two  lying  on  the  wharf. 

The  Federal  loss  was  about  100  killed  and  450  wounded.  That  of 
the  rebels,  who  were  protected  by  their  fortifications,  about  220  in  killed 
and  wounded.  AboiA  300  prisoners  were  taken  by  Lieutenant  Ham- 
mond of  the  gunboat  Hetzel,  who  was  servmg  one  of  the  guns  of  Mc- 
Cook's  battery.  ' 

NAVAL   OPERATIONS. 

The  naval  operations  under  Commander  Rowan,  were  conducted 
with  great  skill » and  success.  The  navigation  was  impeded  in  every 
possible  way  by  the  rebels.  Sunken  vessels  closed  the  main  channels 
at  all  accessible  points,  while  torpedoes,  chevaux-de-frise  and  fire-rafts 
threatened  destruction  on  every  side.  Captain  Rowan  hoisted  his  pen- 
nant on  Thursday  morning  on  board  the  steamer  Delaware.  At  half- 
past  eight  A.  M.,  the  gunboats  commenced  shelling  the  woods  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  proposed  place  of  landing,  taking  stations  at  intervals 
along  the  shore  to  protect  the  advance  of  the  troops.  At  half-past  nine 
A.  M.,  the  troops  commenced  landing,  and  at  the  same  time  six  naval 
boat  howitzers  with  their  crews,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  R. 
S.  McCook,  of  the  Stars  and  Stripes,  were  put  on  shore  to  assist  the 
attacks.  The  army  commenced  to  move  up  the  beach  at  half-past  eleven 
A.  M.,  the  debarkation  of  troops  still  continuing.  In  the  mean  time  tlie 
vessels  were  slowly  moving  up,  throwing  shell  in  the  woods  beyond. 
At  a  quarter-past  four,  p.  m.,  the  first  of  the  enemy's  batteries  opened 
fire  on  the  foremost  of  the  gunboats,  which  Avas  promptly  returned  at 
long  range.  The  troops  were  now  all  disembarked,  and  steadily  ad- 
vancing without  resistance.  At  sundown  the  firing  was  discontinued, 
and  the  fleet  came  to  anchor  in  position  to  cover  the  troops  on  shore. 
At  half-past  six,  a.  m.,  Friday,  14th  instant,  there  was  heard  a  continuous 
firing  of  heavy  guns  and  musketry  inland,  and  immediately  the  fleet  com- 
menced throwing  shells  in  advance  of  the  position  supposed  t^  be  held 
by  the  Union  troops.  The  fleet  steadily  moved  up,  and  gradually  closed 
in  towards  the  batteries.  The  lower  fortifications  were  discovered  to 
have  been  abandoned  by  the  enemy. 

A  boat  was  dispatched  to  it  and  the  stars  and  stripes  planted  on  the 


CAPTURE   OF   NEW   MADRID.  351 

ramparts.  As  they  advanced,  the  upper  batteries  opened  fire.  The 
fire  was  returned  Avith  effect,  the  magazine  of  one  exploding. ,  Having 
proceeded  in  an  extended  line  as  far  as  the  obstructions  in  the  river 
would  permit,  the  signal  was  mlide  to  follow  the  movements  of  the  flag- 
ship, and  the  whole  fleet  advanced  in  order,  concentrating  their  fire  on 
Fort  Thompson,  mounting  thirteen  guns,  on  which  rested  the  enemy's 
land  defences.  The  army,  having  driven  them  out  of  these  defences, 
the  forts  were  abandond.  Several  of  the  vessels  were  slightly  injured 
in  passing  the  barricades  of  piles  and  torpedoes  whidh  had  been  placed 
in  the  river.  The  uppef  battery  having  been  evacuated  on  the  appear- 
ance of  the  combined  forces,  it  Avas  abandoned  and  subsequently  blew 
up.  They  now  steamed  rapidly  up  to  the  city.  '  Upon  the  approach  of 
"the  Federals,  several  points  of  the  city  were, fired  by  the  enemy,  where 
stores  had  been  accumulated.  Two  small  batteries,  constructed  of 
cotton  bales,  and  mounting  two  guns  each,  were  also  fired  by  them. 
Two  small  steamers  were  captured,  another  having  been  burned.  A 
large  raft,  composed  of  barrels  of  pitch  and  bales  of  cotton,  which  had 
been  prepared  to  send  down  upon  the  fl^et,  was  fired,  and  floating 
against  tbe  railroad  bridge,  set  it  on  fire  and  destroyed  it.  In  addition 
to  the  prizes,  a  quantity  of  pitch,  tar,  and  a  gunboat,  and  another  vessel 
on  the  stocks,  several  vessels  afloat,  and  an  immense  quantity  of  arms 
and  munitions  of  war,  fell  into  their  hands. 

Washington,  Morehead  City  and  Beaufort  were  in  turn  occupied  by 
General  Burnside's  forces  without  resistance,  and  the  inhabitants  gen- 
erally evinced  a  friendly  spirit.  The  commandant  of  Fort  Macoa  hav- 
ing refused  to  surrender,  preparations  Avere  immediately  made  to  invest 
and  capture  that  place. 


THE  CAPTURE   OP  NEW  MADEID,  MO. 

March  14,  1862. 

Shortly  before  the  evacuation  of  Columbus,  General  Pope,  with  a  large 
force,  was  dispatched  by  the  commander  of  the  Department  to  besiege 
the  toAA'n  of  NcAV  ^Madrid,  on  the  Mississippi  river,  in  the  extreme  south- 
eastern section  of  Missouri.  This  place  had  been  strongly  fortified  by 
the  rebels,  and  garrisoned  by  five  regiments  of  infantry  and  several  com- 
panies of  artillery.  The  town  is  about  seven  miles  beloAV  Island  No.  10, 
but  owing  to  a  bend  in  the  river,  lies  nearly  Avest.  Its  possession  was 
deemed  important,  in  order  to  advance  the  Union  forces  down  the  Mis- 
sissippi. 

The  enemy  had  one  bastioned  earthwork,  mounting  fourteen  heavy 
guns,  about  hal'  a  mile  below  the  town,  and  another  irregular  work  at 


FORT  OSCEOLA 
OSOEOLA^ 

FWENDSHIP^ARJ^ 
PLUMPIBENi 


SECTION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  RIVER. 

■HOWUIO  IHB  DI3XAKC28  VKOM  KVK  OBXXASS,  ASD  THX  ISUiSVa  V.T  TIUtIB  KUMBEBS. 


SECTION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  RIVER. 

8HOWIHO  THE  SISTAKCBS  JBOU  SXW  OBXEAITS,   AHD  TBK  ISLAlfDS  BT  THSIB  mTHBIBS. 


354  THE    WAR   FOn    THE    UNION. 

the  upper  end  of  the  town,  mounting  seven  pieces  of  heavy  artillery, 
together  with  lines  of  intrenchnients  between  them.  Six  gunboats  car- 
rying from  four  to  eight  heavy  guns  each,  were  anchored  along  the  shore, 
between  the  upper  and  lower  redoubts. 

The  country  is  perfectly  level  for  miles  around  the  place,  and  the  river 
was  so  high  just  then,  that  the  gunboats  looked  directly  over  the  banks ; 
and  the  approaclies  to  the  town  for  seven  miles  were  commanded  by 
direct  and  cross  fire  from  at  least  sixty  guns  of  heavy  calibre. 

The  column  under  General  Pope  left  Commerce,  Mo.,  on  the  27th  of 
February,  and,  after  pix  days  of  hard  marches  through  and  over  the 
interminable  jungles  of  the  great  Mingo  or  Nigger  "Wool  swamp,  sat 
down  before  the  town.  They  had*  scarcely  been  in  camp  a  day  before 
the  river  batteries  opened  upon  them,  forcing  the  right  wing  back  a  few 
hundred  yards  further  from  the  river. 

Trials  and  dangers  now  beset  the  Federal  army,  which  would  have 
discouraged  less  brave  meti.  It  would  not  have  been  difficult  to  carry 
the  intrenchments,  but  it  must  have  been  attended  with  heavy  loss,  and 
they  could  not  have  been  held  half  an  hour  exposed  to  the  destructive 
fire  of  the  gunboats.  It  therefore  became  necessary  to  bring  down  a 
few  heavy  guns  by  land  to  operate  against  those  of  the  enemy.  They 
were  accordingly  sent  for ;  and  meantime,  forced  reconnoissances  were 
pushed  over  the  Avhole  ground,  and  into  several  parts  of  the  town.  Some 
brisk  skirmishes  Tesulted,  in  which  the  enemy  invai'iably  retreated  pre- 
cipitately. It  was  found  impossible  to  induce  them  to  trust  any  consid- 
erable force  of  their  infantry  outside  of  their  intrenchments.  While 
awaiting  the  arrival  of'the  heavy  guns.  Colonel  Plummer,  of  the  Eleventh 
Missouri,  was  dispatched  to  Point  Pleasant,  eight  miles  below,  with 
three  regiments  of  infantry,  three  companies  of  cavalry,  and  a  field  bat- 
tery of  10-pound  Parrott  and  rifled  guns,  with  orders  to  make  a  lodg- 
ment on  the  river  bank ;  to  line  the  bank  with  rifle-pits  for  a  thousand 
men,  and  to  establish  his  artillery  in  sunk  batteries  of  single  pieces  be- 
tween the  rifle-pits.  This  arrangement  was  made  in  order  to  present 
the  smallest  possible  marks  to  the  shells  of  the  gunboats,  and  to  render 
futile  the  use  of  round  shot  from  their  heavy  guns.  Colonel  Plummer, 
after  some  cannonading  from  the  gunboats  which  he  found  there,  suc- 
ceeded in  making  a  lodgment.  Constructing  his  batteries  and  rifle-pits, 
r.nd  occupying  them  in  sufficient  force  to  maintain  them  against  any  open 
assault. 

After  repeated  and  persistent  cannonading  from  the  gunboats,  the 
enemy  found  it  impossible  to  dislodge  him.  He  maintained  his  posi- 
tion, and  effectually  blockaded  the  river  to  transports,  during  the  whole 
sieo-e.  Meantime,  the  enemy  continued  every  day  to  reinforce  New 
Madrid,  until,  on  the  12th,  they  had  nine  thousand  infantry,  besides  a 


CAPTURE    OF   NEW    MADRID.  355 

considerable  force  of  artillery  and  nine  gunboats.  The  fleet  was  com- 
manded by  Copimodore  IloUins,  the  land  forces  by  Generals  McCown, 
Stewart  and  Gantt.  On  the  11th,  the  Federal  siege  guns  were  deliv- 
ered to  Colonel  Bissell  for  his  engineer  regiment,  who  had  been  sent  to 
Cairo.  They  were  at  once  shipped  to  Sykestown,  reached  New  Madrid  i 
at  sunset  on  the  12th,  and  were  placed  in  battery  during  the  same  night, 
within  eight  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy's  main  work,  commanding  the 
river  above  it.  They  opened  fire  at  daylight  on  the  13th,  just  thirty-four 
hours  after  they  were  received  at  Cairo. 

A  brigade,  consisting  of  the  Tenth  aiyi  Sixteenth  Illinois,  under 
Colonel  Morgan,  of  the  Tenth,  was  detailed  to  cover  the  construction  of 
the  battery,  and  to  work  in  the  trenches.  It  was  supported  by  Stanley's 
division,  consisting  of  the  Twenty-seventh  and  and  Thirty-ninth  Ohio, 
under  Colonel  Groesbeck,  and  tile  Forty-third  and  Sixty-third  Ohio,  un- 
der Colonel  Smith.  Captain  Mower,  First  United  States  infantry,  with 
companies  A  and  H  of  his  regiment,  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  siege 
guns. 

The  enemy's  pickets  and-  grand  guards  were  driven  in  by  Colonel 
Morgan,  from  the  ground  selected  for  the  battery.  The  work  was  prose- 
cuted in  silence,  and  with  the  utmost  rapidity,  until  at  three  o'clock,  a. 
M.,  two  small  redoubts  connected  by  a  curtain,  and  mounting  four  heavy 
guns  Avere  completed,  together  with  rifle-pits  in  front  and  on  the  flanks 
for  two  regiments  of  infantry.  The  batteries  opened  as  soon  as  the  day 
dawned,  and  were  replied  to  in  front  and  on  the  flanks  by  the  whole  of 
the  enemy's  heavy  artillery  on  land  and  water. 

The  Union  guns  Avere  served  by  Captain  Mower  with  vigor  and  skill. 
In  a  few  hours  they  disabled  several  of  the  gunboats,  and  dismounted 
three  of  the  heavy  guns  in  the  enemy's  main  work.  Shortly  after  the 
Union  batteries  opened,  one  of  the  24-pound  guns  was  struck  in  the 
muzzle  by  a  round  shot  from  the  enemy's  batteries  and  disabled. 

The  cannonading  was  continued  furiously  all  day  by  the  gunboats  and 
land  batteries  of  the  enemy,  but  without  producing  any  impression. 
Meantime  the  Union  trenches  were  being  extended  and  advanced  to- 
ward the  bank  of  the  river.  General  Paine  now  made  a  demonstration 
against  the  rebel  intrenchments  on  the  left,  supported  by  Palmer's 
division.  The  enemy's  pickets  dnd  grand  guards  were  driven  in,  and 
the  skirmishers  forced  their  way  close  to  the  main  ditch. 

A  furious  thunder  storm  began  about  eleven  o'clock  that  night,  and 
continued  almost  without  interruption  until  morning.  Just  before  day- 
light, General  Stanley  Avas  relieved  in  his  trenches  Avith  his  division  by 
General  Hamilton.  A  few  minutes  after  daylight,  a  flag  of  truce  ap- 
proached the  batteries,  bearing  information  that  the  enemy  had  evacu- 
ated his  Avorks.     Small  parties  were  at  once  advanced  by  General 


356  THE   WAR   FOR   THE    UXION. 

Hamilton  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  this  report ;  and  Captain  INIower, 
First  United  States  infantry,  with  companies  A  and  II  of  that  regiment, 
were  sent  forward  to  plant  the  United  States  flag  over  the  abandoned 
works. 

The  enemy  had  made  a  hasty  and  precipitate  flight.  Their  dead  were 
found  unburied,  their  suppers  stood  imtouohed  on  tlie  tables — candles 
were  burning  in  the  tents.  Private  baggage  of  ofiicers  and  knapsacks 
of  the  men  were  left  behind.  Neither  provisions  nor  ammunition  were 
carried  off — everything  gave  evidence  of  {\ panic.  Artillery,  field  batteries 
and  siege  guns,  amounting  to  thirty-three  pieces;  magazines. full  of  fixed 
ammunition  of  the  best  character ;  several  thousand  stands  of  inferior 
small  arms,  with  hundreds  of  boxes  of  musket  cartridges ;  tents  for  an 
army  often  thousand  men ;  horses,  mules,  wagons,  intrenching  tools,  etc., 
were  among  the  spoils.  . 

Their  flight  was  so  sudden  that  they  abandoned  their  pickets,  and  gave 
no  intimation  to  the  forces  at  Island  No.  10. 

Tlie  Union  loss  was  fifty-one  killed  and  wounded.  The  enemy's  loss 
could  not  be  ascertained.  A  number  of  his  dead  were  left  iinbui-ied, 
and  over  a  hundred  new  graves  were  found. 


ISLAND  No.  10. 


When  the  necessity  of  an  early  evacuation  of  Columbus  became  appa- 
rent to  the  rebel  leaders,  they  commenced  the  fortification  of  Island  No*. 
10,  in  the  Mississippi  river,  forty-five  miles  below  Columbus  and  twenty- 
six  from  Hickman.  It  is  located  250  miles  below  St.  Louis  and  997 
from  New  Orleans ;  and  when  chosen  by  the  secessionists  it  was  deemed 
impregnable.  The  earthworks  were  constructed  with  great  skill,  and 
well  calculated  to  resist  any  assault  which  could  be  made  from  tlie  rive4' 
above,  while  they  held  undisputed  control  of  the  navigation  below,  and 
had  at  their  command  a  formidable  fleet  of  gunboats.  New  JIadrid, 
on  the  Missouri  shore  of  the  river,  a  few  miles  below,  was  fortified  and 
garrisoned  by  rebel  troops,  and  they  had  easy  communication  and 
abundant  facilities  for  supplies  and  reinforcements,  if  needed. 

The  energy  and  perseverance  of  General  Pope,  which  enabled  him, 
despite  the  most  serious  obstacles,  to  invest  and  capture  the  town  of 
New  Madrid,  was  the  first  note  of  warning  received  by  the  rebels  at 
Island  No.  10  that  their  position  was  no  longer  tenable. 

The  topography  of  the  peninsula  on  the  Tennessee  shore,  immediately 
back  of  the  island,  where  most  of  the  rebel  forces  were  located,  is  very 
peculiar ;  and  if  the  disadvantages  of  position  which  the  course  of  events 
gradually  unfolded  could  have  been  foreseen,  the  site  would  never  have 


ISLAND    NO.  10.  357 

been  selected.  Commencing  at  a  point  about  a  mile  and  a  half  above 
(lie  island  is  a  range  of  high  land,  which  extends  back  south-eastwardly 
to  Keelfoot  Lake,  a  distance  of  four  miles.  This  lake,  in  the  rear  of  the 
peninsula,  is  fifteen  miles  in  length,  and  terminates  in  a  swamp,  which 
extendi  south  of  Tiptonville,  a  town  on  the  river  bank,  below  the  penin- 
sula. The  swamp  at  that  time  varied  in  width  from  one  and  a  half  tO 
eight  miles,  its  narrowest  point  being  four  miles  above  Tiptonville, 
where  the  rebels  had  prepared  a  corduroy  road  and  bridge,  as  a  means 
of  escape  from  their  position,  should  retreat  by  land  become  necessary. 

On  the  loth  of  March,  the  gun  arfd  mortar-boats  comprising  the  fleet 
of  Commodore  Foote  commenced  the  investment  and  bombardment  of 
Island  No.  10,  and  the  rebel  batteries  and  camps  at  the  adjacent 
peninsula  on  the  Tennessee  shore. 

The  fleet  consisted  of  eleven  gunboats,  and  twelve  mortar-boats,  each 
of  the  latter  carrying  one  immense  mortar,  throwing  a  shell  of  two  hun- 
dred and  twenty  pounds  weight  a  distance  of  from  two  to  three  miles. 
The  Commodore  engaged  the  rebel  batteries  almost  daily  for  three 
weeks,  deeming  it  imprudent  to  risk  the  destruction  of  his  vessels  by 
close  action,  as  any  misfortune  to  them  would  have  placed  all  the  towns 
on  the  Upper  Mississippi  at  the  mercy  of  the  armed  steamers  of  the 
enemy. 

The  rebels  had  eighty  guns  of  heavy  calibre  in  the  batteries  on  the 
island  and  the  adjacent  peninsula,  Avhile  the  iron-clad  ram  Manassas, 
and  a  fleet  of  twenty  vessels — gunboats,  steamers  and  transports,  were 
moored  under  their  guns,  prepared  to  act  as  opportunity  or.  emergency 
might  require. 

One  or  more  gunboats  would  advance  to  attack  a  shore  battery  from 
the  right  hand  of  the  river — or  engage  the  water  battery  on  the  island, 
approaching  from  the  left  bank.  The  mortars  kept  continually  changing 
positions,  generally  hugging  the  shore  on  the  left  bank  where  the  rebel 
batteries  could  not  reach  them,  as  they  were  covered"  by  a  promontory, 
or  neck  of  laud,  made  by  the  bend  of  the  river;  and  their  fire  was  kept 
up  so  unceasingly,  that  frequently  a  mortar-shell  was  thrown  every  hour 
during  the  night. 

At  two  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  April  1,  a  most  daring  enterprise 
on  the  part  of  Colonel  Roberts,  of  the  Forty-second  Illinois  regfraent, 
was  crowned  with  success.  Taking  advantage  of  a  severe  storm  while 
the  elements  were  raging  furiously,  and  a  dreadful  hurricane,  accom- 
panied with  thunder  and  lightning,  was  sweeping  the  earth  and  driv- 
ing the  vessels  from  their  moorings,  he  started  with  forty  picked  men, 
in  six  yawl  boats,  and  with  muffled  oars  rowed  towards  the  upper 
water  battery  on  Island  Xo.  10,  keeping  close  to  the  ed^e  of  the  river 
bank.     The  boats,  favored  by  the  intense  darkness,  approached  within 


358  THE   WAR  FOR  THE   UNION. 

a  few  rods  of  the  battery,  when  a  blinding  sheet  of  lightning  flashed 
across  tie  water,  revealing  the  adventurous  party  to  the  enemy's  sen- 
tinels. The  dark  object  looming  out  from  the  storm  alarmed  the  senti- 
nels,  who  fired  wildly  and  at  random,  fleeing  with  the  first  discharge. 
The  Union  boats  made  no  reply.  A  few  minutes  more  brouglft  them 
to  the  slope  of  the  earthworks,  and  the  men  at  once  sprung  over  tho 
parapet.  In  less  than  five  minutes  the  huge  guns  on  the  battery 
were  securely  spiked.  They  were  all  of  large  calibre,  consisting  of  two 
64,  two  80-pounders  and  one  splendid  9-inch  pivot  gun.  Their  desperate 
work  accomplished,  the  boats  returned  safely  to  the  fleet,  having  per- 
formed a  perilous  exploit  with  wonderful  success. 


CAPTURE  OP  ISLAND  No.  10  AND  THE  REBEL  AEMY. 

After  the  surrender  of  the  forts  at  New  Madrid,  Colonel  Bissell's 
engineer  regiment  was  engaged  for  four  days  unspiking  guns,  changing 
batteries,  and  establishing  new  works.  Then  they  were  sent  over  by 
General  Pope  to  ascertain  whether  it  would  be  practicable  to  estabhsh 
batteries  opposite  Island  No.  10,  and  enfilade  the  rebel  works  on  the 
Tennessee  shore.  They  spent  three  days  in  the  swamps,  living  in  their 
canoes  with  negroes,  but  found  the  project  impracticable.  Colonel  Bis- 
sell,  however,  stated  that  he  could  by  hard  labor  get  steamboats  and 
flatboats  through  the  woods  and  bayous,  and  by  that  means  avoid  the 
batteries  on  the  island,  and  bring  the  vessels  to  New  Madrid,  whence 
General  Pope's  army  could  be  transported  to  a  point  nearly  opposite, 
and  take  all  the  enemy's  works  in  the  rear. 

General  Pope  at  once  gave  him  a  carte  blanche^  and  he  sent  to  Cairo 
for  four  steamboats,  six  flats,  and  such  gims  as  could  be  spared.  They 
sejit  the  steamers  "W.  B.  Terry,  John  Trio,  Gilmore,  and  Emma,  with 
the  barges,  a  quantity  of  lumber,  etc.,  and  one  eight-inch  columbiad  and 
three  thirty-two  pounders.  Tools  were  not  needed,  for  the  regiment 
carried  everything, ^rom  the  heaviest  ropes  and  screws  down  to  fine 
steel  drills  for  unspiking  guns. 

The  route  was  about  twelve  miles  long,  of  which  two  traversed  were 
through  thick  timber,  and  the  remaining  ten  narrow,  crooked  bayous, 
choked  up  with  brush  and  small  trees.  They  cut  their  way  through,  the 
track  being  fifty  feet  wide,  of  which  thirty  feet  was  required  for  the 
hulls  of  the  boats.  The  timber  was  cut  four  feet  below  the  surface  of 
the  water.  In  one  short  stretch  they  cut  seventy-five  trees,  not  one 
less  than  two  feet  through.  The  machines  were  rigged  from  rafts  and 
flats,  and  eat^li  worked  by  about  twenty  men.  In  the  first  place  three 
large  launches  went  ahead  to  cut  out  and  clcav  away  the  underbrush 


CAPTURE   OF   ISLAND   NO.  10.  861 

and  drift^vood ;  then  three  rafts  followed,  on  which  were  the  axe- 
men, followed  by  the  saws,  two  large  barges,  and  one  of  the  steam- 
boats. Very  large  lines  were  provided  to  run  from  the  capstan  of  the 
steamboat  and  haul  out  ,by  snatchblocks  what  the  men  could  not  handle. 
Men  were  engaged  all  the  time  in  the  fleet  which  followed,  converting 
the  flatboats  into  floating  batteries.  "** 

•  From  the  starting  point  on  the  river  to  the  levee  the  distance  is 
about  five  hundred  feet;  here  the  water  Avas  shallow  and  the  route 
full  of  stumps.  It  took  one  whole  day  to  pass  this  point.  Then  they 
cut  in  the  levee.  Here  the  fall  was  over  two  feet,  and  the  rush  of  water 
tremendous.  The  largest  boat  was  dropped  through  with  five  lines  out 
ahead.  Then  a  corn  field,  overflowed  from  a  cut  in  the  levee,  where  a 
channel  was  cut  by  the  swift  water,  and  floated  them  onward  nearly 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  woods.  Here  was  great  labor — two  straight 
and  long  miles  to  the  nearest  point  in  the  bayou.  It  took  eight  days  to 
get  through  this  distance.  Then  came  Wilson's  Bayou,  East  Bayoix,  and 
St.  John's  Bayou,  Avhich  empties  into  the  Mississippi  at  i^ew  Madrid. 
It  sometimes  took  twenty  men  a  whole  day  to  get  out  a  half  sunken 
tree  across  .the  bayou ;  and  as  none  of  the  rafts  or  flats  could  get  by,  this 
always  detained  the  whole  fleet.  The  water,  after  they  got  in  the 
woods,  was  about  six  feet  deep,  with  a  gentle  current  setting  across  the 
peninsula.  "In  the  East  Bayou  the  current  was  tremendous,  and  the 
boats  had  to  be  checked  down  with  heavy  head  lines.  Here  they  found 
Bome  obstructions,  caused  by  heaps  of  driftwood,  but  a  few  sturdy 
blows  dislodged  some  of  the  logs  and  sent  the  whole  mass  floating 
down  the  current. 

While  the  engineers  were  engaged  in  this  herculean  enterprise,  the 
gunboat  Carondelet  ran  safely  by  the  rebel  batteries  on  the  island,  and 
reached  New  Madrid  on  the  night  of  April  4th.  On  the  succeeding 
night  another  boat,  the  Pittsburg,  ran  the  gauntlet  of  the  enemy's  fire 
unscathed,  in  time  to  convoy  the  transports  as  they  entered  the  river. 

On  the  6th  of  April  the  two  gunboats  attacked  and  destroyed  four 
batteries  erected  by  the  rebels  on  the  Tennessee  shore.  On  the  7th,  by 
daylight,  the  divisions  of  Generals  Paine  and  Stanley  were  marched  to 
Tiptonville,  fifteen  miles  down  the  river  from  New  Madrid.  The  rebels 
had  retreated  in  that  direction  the  afternoon  before,  and  it  was  thought 
that  they  were  endeavoring  to  cross  over  Reelfoot  lake.  The  troops 
were  pushed  forward  with  all  possible  speed,  and  at  night  encamped  at 
Tiptonville  and  Merriwether's,  while  a  strong  force  was  posted  at  the 
only  point  where  by  any  possibility  the  rebels  could  cross  the  lake,  some 
four  miles  from  the  tOAvn.  Squads  of  rebel  soldiers  kept  in  sight  of  the 
Union  pickets  during  the  night,  and  at  times  would  come  boldly  up  and 
surrender  themselves  as  prisoners  of  war.    At  daylight  General  Pope 


862  THE  WAE  FOR  THB  UNION'. 

and  staff,  and  Assistant  Secretary-of-War  Scott,  went  down  \o  the 
locality,  and  General  Pope  assumed  the  full  command.  It  M-as  expected 
that  some  resistance  would  be  made,  and  no  one  surmised  that  the  enemy, 
who  it  was  learned  had  marched  over  from  Xsland  No.  10,  had  con- 
cluded to  give  himself  up.  But  shortly  after  sunrise  General  Pope  re- 
ceived a  message  from  the  General  commanding  the  Confederates,  stat- 
ing that  he  had  surrendered  the  island  and  fortifications  to  Commodore 
Foote  the  night  before,  and  that  the  forces  under  his  command  were 
ready  to  follow  the  "  fortunes  of  war ;"  and  \ie  requested  General  Pope 
to  receive  and  march  them  into  camp.  General  Pope  gave"  directions 
for  the  Confederate  troops  to  come  into  camp  and  go  through  the 
formula.  Accordingly  about  four  thousand  rebels  were  marched  in 
and  stacked  their  arms. 

On  the  same  day  Island  No.  10  was  surrendered  to  Commodore 
Foote,  with  all  its  Avar  material ;  and  all  the  gunboats  and  transports 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors. 


BATTLE    OP    WINOHESTEE,  VA. 

Masch  22,  23,  1862. 

On  the  21st  of  March,  General  Shields,  commanding  a  division  of  the 
Fifth  Army  Corps  of  the  Potomac,  under  General  Banks,  was  stationed 
at  Winchester,  with  a  force  of  about  seven  thousand  men.  General 
Jackson,  with  a  rebel  force  of  ten  thousand  men,  and  twenty-eight 
pieces  of  artillery,  was  then  at  Strasburg,  ten  miles  distant,  closely 
scruti;iizing  the  movements  of  the  Federal  army,  and  only  awaiting  the 
arrival  of  General  Johnston,  his  superior,  who  was  daily  cxi)ected  with 
a  much  larger  force.  With  these  united,  they  expected  to  strike  a  tell- 
ing blow  on  the  army  of  Genferal  Banks,  and  thus  prevent  any  combined 
action  on  his  part  with  General  McClellan. 

Not  anticipating  an  immediate  attack  from  General  Jacksbn,  General 
Banks  had  just  left  Winchester  for  Harper's  Ferry,  and  General  Wil- 
liams' division  had  marched  the  same  day  towards  Ceijtreville.  Of 
these  movements  the  rebel  General  was  duly  notified,  as  his  numerous 
spies  within  tlie  Federal  lines  lost  no  opportunity  of  supplying  the 
enemy  with  full  details  of  all  the  actions  of  the  Federal  commanders. 

Though  looking  for  reinforcements  from  Generals  Longstreet  and 
Smith,  Jackson  determined  to  attack  Shields'  troops ; — but  his  attempt 
to  surprise  them  Avas  frustrated  by  the  vigilance  of  that  officer.  Ap- 
prehensive that  the  enemy  designed  an  early  advance.  General  Shields 
had  just  completed  a  hasty  reconnoissance  to  Strasburg,  by  which  he 
obtained  important  information  of  Jackson's  numbers  and  intentions. 


BATTLE    OF    WINCHESTER.  303 

This  induced  him  to  withdraw  most  of  his  men  to  a  position  two  miles 
north-east  of  Winchester,  while  his  pickets  extended  five  miles  beyond, 
on  the  Strasbuifi;  road.  The  enemy  were  led  to  believe  that  the  town 
was  open  to  their  occupation,  and  that  the  greater  portion  of  the  Fed- 
eral troops  had  been  withdrawn  from  the  \'icinity. 

On  Saturday  afternoon,  March  22,  about  a  quarter-past  two  o'clock, 
the  Federal  advanced  pickets  on  the  Strasburg  road  discovered  the 
rebel  cavalry,  under  Colonel  Ashby,  about  half  a  mile  beyond  them,  re- 
connoitering  the  woods  on  both  sides  of  the  turnpike,  and  steadily  ad- 
vancing. The  pickets  consisted  of  a  few  men  of  the  Fourteenth 
Indiana  infantry  at  that  point,  and  they  fell  back-  half  a  mile  to  the 
hamlet  of  KernstoAvn,  four  miles  from  Winchester.  Steadily  did  the 
troopers  advance  as  the  Union  men  wheeled  to  aim  and  fire.  The  first 
volley  sent  many  rebels  reeling  from  their  saddles,  and  threw  the  rest 
into  confusion.  Before  they  could  be  again  rallied  for  a  charge,  the 
gallant  little  band  of  infantry  was  beyond  their  power,  without  having 
lost  a  man  killed  or  wounded.  General  Shields  hearing  of  the  advance 
of  the  rebel  cavalry,  ordered  four  advanced  companies  of  infantry  to 
rally  to  the  support  of  the  pickets,  and  hold  the  rebels  in  check  till  he 
could  move  down  the  division.  These  companies  were  one  from  the 
Maryland  First,  one  from  the  Twenty-eighth  Pennsylvania,  one  from 
the  Forty-sixth  Pennsylvania,  and  one  from  the  Twenty-eighth  New 
York.     Their  regiments  had  marched  away  under  General  Williams. 

A  battery  of  artillery  was  also  sent  forv/ard,  and  General  Shields, 
after  ordering  out  the  division,  rode  to  the  front,  accompanied  by  his 
staff.  While  engaged  in  directing  the  fire  of  the  artillery,  a  shell  from 
the  rebel  battery  of  four  guns,  which  now  beg(in  to  play  on  them,  burst 
near  him,  and  a  spUnter  from  it  struck  him  in  the  left  arm,  just  above 
the  elbow,  fracturing  the  bone  and  creating  a  painful  wound.  But 
without  heeding  it  he  gave  a  fresh  order  to  the  artillery,  and  continued 
on  the  field  till  satisfied  that  all  was  right. 

The  Federal  division  began  to  arrive  in  force  on  the  field  towards 
dark ;  the  rebels,  perceiving  this,  did  not  push  their  advance,  but  halted 
about  three  miles  from  Winchester  for  the  night,  lighted  their  camp 
fires  and"  bivouacked,  while  the  opposing  army  lay  between  them  and 
the  town. 

About  ten  o'clock  on  Sunday,  reinforcements  of  five  regiments  of 
infantry  and  two  batteries  of  artilhery  having  arrived  from  Strasburg, 
under  General  Garnett,  were  welcomed  by  vociferous  and  prolonged 
cheers  from  their  lines.  The  attack  was  not  long  delayed.  The  enemy 
advanced  his  army,  which  now  consisted  of  sixteen  regiments  of  infantry, 
numbering  eleven  thousand  men  ;  five  batteries  of  artillery,  with  a  total 
of  twenty-eight  field  pieces,  and  three  battalions  of  horse,  under  Ashby 


364  THE   WAR   FOR   THE   UNION". 

and  Stewart.  His  line  of  battle  extended  about  a  mile  on  the  right  of 
the  village  of  Kernstown,  and  a  mile,  and  three-quarters  on  the  left  of 
it.  The  village  lay  on  the  road  between  the  rebel  right  and  centre. 
There  is  a  mud  road  branching  from  the  turnpike  a  mile  or  so  from 
Winchester  to  the  right  of  tlie  road  going  towards  Strasburg.  This 
road  passed  through  the  left  of  the  enemy's  centre,  and  was  one  of  their 
points  of  defence.  Beyond  that  is  a  grove  of  trees,  and  farther  on,  a 
ridge  of  hills  with  a  stone  wall  jibout  breast-high  running  along  its  sum- 
mit. This  was  the  rebel  line  of  ofience  and  defence  on  the  right  of  the 
Union  line. 

The  most  advancM  regiment  on  the  Union  side  was  the  Eighth  Ohio, 
of  General  Tyler's  brigade.  The  rebels  made  a  furious  onslaught 
about  half-past  ten  o'clock,  a.  jr.,  on  Thursday,  with  the  intention  of 
turning  the  right  flank.  The  Ohio  Eighth  met  them  with  a  deadly  fire 
of  rifles.  Five  times  did  the  enemy  emerge  from  the  w^oods  and  from 
behind  their  stone  parapet  with  vastly  superior  iMimbers,  and  strive  in 
vain  to  accomplish  their  object.  The  Union  left  wing,  consisting  of  the 
Thirteenth  Indiana,  Seventh  Ohio  and  a  battery  of  the  Fourth  regular 
artillery,  und^  Captain  Jenks,  had  a  feint  made  on  it,  while  the  real 
attack  of  the  enemy  Avas  being  directed  against  the  Union  right  wing. 
The  feint  on  the  left  was  a  heavy  fire  of  artillery  posted  on  both  sides 
of  the  village  and  the  turnpike,  which,  however,  did  trifling  damage. 
The  Union  battery  replied,  silencing  those  of  the  enemy,  though  the 
firing  was  well  maintained  for  a  long  time  on  both  sides.  The  Union 
centre  consisted  of  the  Fourteenth  Indiana,  the  Eighth  and  Sixty-seventh 
Ohio,  and  the  Eiglity-fourth  Pennsylvania.  Two  artillery  batteries  be- 
longing to  the  First  Ohio  artillery,  and  .the  cavalry,  consisting  of  the 
First  Michigan  and  First  Ohio,  were  drawn  up  in  the  rear.  The  Union 
right  wing  was  made  up  of  the  Fifth  and  Eighth  Ohio  regiments  and  a 
battery  of  the  First  Virginia  regiment.  The  reserves  consisted  of  the 
Twelfth  Indiana,  the  Thirty-ninth  Illinois  and  a  squadron  of  the  Michi- 
gan cavalry.  General  Shields  was  unable  to  appear  on  the  field  in  per- 
son, and  the  command  consequently  devolved  upon  Acting-Brigadier 
Kimble,  who  led  the  centre.  The  right  was  commanded  by  Acting- 
Brigadier  General  Tyler,  Avhile  Colonel  Sullivan  directed  the  operations 
on  the  left. 

The  battle  raged  along  the  whole  line  with  great  fury  from  eleven 
A.  M.  till  half-past  two  p.  ir.,  when  General  Shields,  who  received  ac- 
counts of  the  progress  of  the  fight  on  his  couch,  ordered  the  right,  where 
the  contest  raged  the  hottest,  to  charge  upon  the  enemy.  That  was  an 
awful  charge.  The  left  of  the  enemy  prepared  desperately  to  repel  the 
gallant  troops,  but  their  rush  was  irresistible.  PreAnous  to  this  the 
Union  line  of  battle  had  been  somewhat  changed.    The  Eighty-fourth 


BATTLE    OF    AVINCIIESTEK. 


865 


Pennsylvania  reinforced  its  riglit,  and  also  a  battery  of  artillery.  The 
whole  Union  force  now  engaged  was  about  six  thousand  men,  while 
that  of  the  enemy  Avas  at  the  lowest  estimate  eight  thousand.  The 
rebels  had  also  changed  their  line,  and  extending  both  their  wings,  pre- 
sented a  concave  front.  They  had  reinforced  their  left  wing,  and  the 
charge  to  be  made  by  the  Union  right  was  all  important  in  its'  conse- 
quences. On  it,  at  three  o'clock,  depended  the  fate  of  the  entire  battle. 
Tyler  led  the  charge,  sword  in  hand.  The  rebels  fired  from  the  woods 
with  artillery  and  small  arms,  while  the  Federals  advanced  agahist  their 
mui'derous  showers  of  lead  and  iron,  returning  few  shots  and  reserving 
their  fire.  • 


SPLENDID    CHARGE    OF   THE   RIGHT    WIXG,    UNDER    GEXERAL    TYLER. 

Up  to  this  time  the  armies  had  not  been  much  nearer  to  each  other 
than  three  hundred  yards,  unless  in  some  few  instances.  The  wood  was 
soon  cleared  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  the  Unionists  discharging  their 
pieces  at  twenty  and  even  five  yards  distance  from  the  rebels,  and  then 
dashing  at  them  with  the  bayonet. 

The  rebels  fought  well.  They  contested  the  ground  foot  by  foot,  and 
marked  er\-ery  yard  of  their  retreat  with  blood.  They  retired  behind 
the  stone  wall,  on  tlie  ridge,  but  the  Unionists  jumped  over,  and  drove 
them  in  the  greatest  confusion  and  with  fearful  slaughter  upon  their 
centre.  The  panic  was  contagious.  Kimble  ordered  a  charge  along 
the  whole  line,  and  for  a  short  time  the  fighting  a\hs  desperate.  The 
roar  of  the  catmon  was  no  longer  heard,  unless  in  occasional  bursts,  but 
the  rattl(3  of  musketry  was  more  deafening  than  ever. 

The  rout  of  the  rebels  had  fairly  commenced ;  two  of  their  guns  and 
four  caissons  were  taken,  and  though  many  of  them  turned  and  fired 


366  THE   "WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 

again  and  again  at  the  pursuing  host,  many  more  threw  away  muskets 
and  bayonets  without  hesitation.  Darkness  and  the  extreme  fatigue  of 
the  Union  troops,  howevfer,  saved  them  for  the  time,  and  the  Federals 
retired  about  two  miles  and  bivouacked. 

At  daybreak  General  Shields  ordered  the  rebel  position  to  be  attacked, 
and  the  enemy,  after  replying  by  a  few  shots  from  his  artillery,  continued 
his  retreat.  Meantime  General  Banks,  who  had  been  at  Harper's  Ferry, 
arrived,  and  taking  command  of  the  troops  in  person,  continued  the 
pursuit  with  about  ten  thousand  men,  and  pressed  the  rebels  beyond 
Middleburg,  cutting  off  many  stragglers.  The  object  was  to  capture  his 
whole  force,  if  possible.  General  Williams,  with  his  forces,  arrived  on 
the  field,  too  late  to  participate  in  the  action.   They  joined  in  the  chase. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed  and  wounded  was  six  hundred.  The 
number  of  prisoners  taken  was  three  hundred. 

The  Union  loss  in  killed  was  one  hundred,  and  about  four  hundred 
wounded.  Though  the  enemy  had  a  much  larger  force,  four  pieces  of 
cannon  more  than  the  Federals,  the  selection  of  fighting  ground,  and 
every  other  advantage,  yet  all  the  trophies  of  the  occasion  belong  to 
the  Union  army. 

The  rebels  had  an  Irish  battalion  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  of 
whom  forty  were  killed  on  the  field,  and  many  of  the  rest  wounded. 
Their  commander,  Captain  Jones,  was  captured,  having  lost  both  eyes 

by  a  bullet. 

The  loss  on  the  Union  side  was  heaviest  in  the  Eighty-fourth  Penn- 
sylvania regiment.  Of  the  five  companies  of  three  hundred  men,  in  all, 
engaged,  they  lost  Colonel  Murray,  a  brave  officer ;  one  captain,  one 
Ueutenant,  twenty-three  privates  and  non-commissioned  officers  killed, 
and  sixty-three  wounded.  The  loss  in  the  Eighth  and  Fifth  Ohio  regi- 
ments  was  about  seventy-five  and  sixty,  respectively,  killed  and  wounded. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Thorburn,  of  the  Third  Virginia,  was  among  the* 
wounded.  These  were  the  only  field-ofticers  killed  or  wounded  in  the 
Union  forces. 

The  battle-field  after  the  struggle  was  a  terrible  sight.  The  night  was 
dark  and  cold.  After  the  battle  the  ambulances  were  busily  engaged 
removing  the  wounded.  The  enemy  carried  off  most  of  their  wounded 
and  sonTe  of  their  dead.  The  wounded  were  intermingled  with  the 
dead,  and  their  sufferings  before  they  were  removed  to  the  hospitals 
were  heart-rending.  The  next  day  was  spent  in  burying  the  dead.  Tlw 
ghastly  aspect  of  the  field  after  the  wounded  were  removed,  and  belore 
the  dead  were  interred,  was  appalling. 


BATTLE   OF  PnTSBUEG  LANDING.  867 

BATTLT  or  PITTSBUEa  LANDING. 

April  6-7,  1862. 

When  the  surrender  of  Forts  Henry  and  Donelso'n  reached  Washing- 
ton and  Richmond  there  Avas  depression  among  the  secessionists  and 
great  rejoicing  at  the  North.  The  news  of  these  events  was  followed 
directly  by  the  capture  of  Nashville  and  New  Madrid,  and  it  became 
certain  to  the  Confederate  leaders  that  Island  No.  10  must  soon 
surrender.  Under  these  untoward  events  it  became  imperative  that  a 
new  strategic  point  should  be  at  once  established  beyond  reach  of  the 
gunboats,  that  had  already  produced  so  much  mischief.  Beauregard, 
then  in  command,  selected  Corinth  as  the  most  promising  point  for  his 
operations,  and  a  position  which  would  render  any  attempt  of  the  Fede- 
rals to  cut  him  off  from  western  Tennessee,  or  the  eastern  and  southern 
States,  extremely  difficult  of  success.  He  called  on  the  Governors  of 
Tennessee,  Mississippi  and  Alabama  for  help,  and  a  prompt  response 
was  made.  First  came  Polk  from  Columbus,  then  Bragg  from  Mobile 
and  Pensacola,  followed  by  General  A.  S.  Johnston  from  Murfrees- 
borough,  who  took  command.  After  selecting  their  new  line  of  de- 
fence, they  commenced  fortifying  it  and  diligently  concentrated  their 
forces.  Generals  Hardee,  Breckinridge,^  Sterhng  Pi-ice  and  Hindman 
soon  came  in,  and  the  fortifications  made  rapid  progress. 

Corinth  is  a  very  important  strategical  point.  It  is  situated  in  a 
branch  of  the  Apalachian  range,  which  diverges  from  the  Alleghany 
mountains,  and  forms  thp  uplands  and  gold-bearing  regions  of  Georgia 
and  Alabama.  The  village  is  nearly  surrounded  by  an  irregular  circle 
of  hills,  rising  in  the  north,  about  four  miles  distant,  with  the  State  line 
between  Tennessee  and  Mississippi  crossing  their  summit.  The  Mobile^ 
and  Ohio  railway  intersects  this  ridge  through  a  cut  seventy-five  feet 
in  depth.  Similar  cuts,  of  lesser  depth,  penetrate  the  hills  on  the  east, 
west  and  south,  where  the  railways  enter.  Beyond  these  hills,  in  the 
direction  of  Pittsburg  and  Savatmah,  the  ground  becomes  more  level, 
and  is  generally  low  and  swampy.  The  topography  of  the  region  ren- 
ders Corinth  susceptible  of  strong  defences.  The  village  was  formerly 
called  Farmington,  and  is  so  mentioned  in  the  gazetteers.  It  is  a  post 
village  of  Tishomingo  county,  Mississippi,  distant  two  hundred  and  six- 
^y-two  miles  north-east  from  Jackson,  the  capital  of  the  State.  There 
were  not  half  a  dozen  stores  in  the  village,  and  its  population  was 
relatively  small.  Tishomingo  county  forms  the  north-eastern  ex- 
tremity of  Mississippi,  bordering  on  Tennessee  and  Alabama.  The 
Tombigbee  river  rises  in  the  county;  the  Tennessee  flows  along  the 
north-east  border,  and  it  is  drained  by  Tuscumbia  creek.     A  large 


868  THE  -WAR  FOB  THE  UNIOW., 

portion  of  the  county  is  covered  with  forests  of  oak,*  hickory,  walnut 
and  ])ine.  * 

The  principal  military  value  of  this  place  consists  in  the  fact  that  the 
railroads  from  Memplys  on  the  west,  Columbus,  on  the  north,  and 
Mobile  on  the  south,  cross  at  this  point. 

About  the  middle  of  i\Iarch  Grant's  victorious  army  at  Nashville  was 
sent  by  Ilalleck  to  occupy  first  Savannah,  and  then  Pittsburg  Landing, 
preparatory  to  the  arrival  of  Buell's  Kentucky  army,  when  Halleck  in- 
tended himself  to  take  the  field  and  move  on  Corinth. 

Pittsburg  Landing  is  situated  in  Ilardin  county,  Tenn.,  on  the  west 
side  of  the  Tennessee  river.  It  is  in  itself  of  little  importance,  being 
close  tjo  Savannah,  which  is  a  flourishing  post  village  of  Ilardin  county, 
situated  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  river.  The  Landing  is  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty  miles  from  Nashville;  nearly  one  hundred  miles 
from  Columbia,  on  the  Nashville  and  Decatur  railroad  ;  by  a  turnpike 
road,  crossing  the  river  at  a  ferry,  about  twenty-five  miles  from  Corinth. 
The  country  is  very  wild,  the  surface  rising  on  both  sides  of  the  river 
in  A  gradual  ascent. 

Savannah  is  the  capital  of  Ilardin  county.  Previous  to  the  rebellion 
it  had  been  a  place  of  considerable  business  note.  The  population  in 
1853  was  only  eight  hundred,  but  it  had  been  greatly  increased.  The 
area  of  the  county  is  about  six  hundred  and  fifty  miles.  The  Tennessee 
river  flows  through  it,  dividing  it  into  nearly  equal  parts.  The  river  is 
navigable  for  steamboats  through  the  entire  county,  which  has  a  popu- 
lation of  over  ten  thousand  persons,  nine-tenths  of  whom  are  free. 

General  Grant  proceeded  at  once  to  Savannah,  where  his  headqujjrters 
were  established.  The  divisions  of  his  army  were  sent  gradually  to 
Pittsburg,  and  had  not  all  arrived  when  the  assault  was  made.  No 
defences  had  been  erected,  and  the  possibility  of  an  attack  from  the 
Confederates  had  not  been  for  a  moment  entertained.  On  the  5th  of 
Api-il  Buell  left  Nashville  and  arrived  at  Savannah  the  same  day.  The 
division  of  his  army  under  Nelson  was  on  the  battle  field  on  the  sixth,  at 
five  p.  M.  * 

The  Confederates  had  for  some  time  intended  to  attack  Grant  before 
Buell  could  join  him,  and  on  hearing  of  his  near  approach  they  hastened 
the  action,  without  Avaiting  for  their  owu  reinforcements.  This  bold 
movement  was  made  just  one  day  too  late. 

POSITION    OF   THE    FEDERAL  TROOPS. 

Pittsburg  Landing  is  sim|)ly  a  narrow  ravine,  down  which  a  road 
passes  to  the  river  bank,  between  high  bluffs  on  either  side.  There  is  no 
town  whatever.  Two  log  huts  comprise  all  the  signs  of  habitation  visi- 
ble.    Back  from  the  river  is  a  rolling  country,  cut  up  with  numerous 


BATTLE   OP   PITTSBURG   LANDING.  369 

ravines,  j/artialty  under  cultivation,  but  the  greater  poi'tion  is  thickly 
wooded  with  large  patches  of  underbrush.  From  the  Landing  a  road 
leads  directly  to  Corinth,  twenty  miles  distant.  A  mile  or  two  out,  this 
road  forks ;  one  branch  is  known  as  the  lower  Corinth  road ;  the  other, 
the  Corinth  ridge  road.  A  short  distance  out,  another  road  curves  off 
to  the  left,  crosses  Lick  Creek,  and  leads  back  to  the  river  at  Hamburg, 
some  miles  up  the  stream.  On  the  riglit,  two  separate  roads  lead  off  to 
Purdy,  and  another,  a  new  one,  runs  across  Snake  Creek  to  Crump's 
Landing  on  tlie  river  below.  Besides  these,  the  whole  country  that  com- 
posed the  battle-field  was  cut  up  with  roads  leading  to  different  camps. 

On  and  between  these  roads,  at  distances  of  from  two  to  five  miles 
from  Pittsburg  Landing,  lay  several  divisions  of  Major-General  Grant's 
army  on  Sunday  morning.  The  advance  line  was  formed  by  three  divi- 
sions— Brigadier-General  Sherman's,  Brigadier-General  Prentiss'  and 
Major-General  McClernand's.  Between  these  and  the  Landing  lay  the 
forces  of  Brigadier-General  Hurlbut  and  Major-General  Smith,  who, 
being  absent  from  severe  illness,  left  his  command  to  Brigadier-General 
W.  H.  L.  Wallace. 

The  Union  advance  line,  beginning  at  the  extreme  left,  was  thus 
formed: — On  the  Hamburg  road,  just  north  of  the  crossing  of  Lick 
creek,  and  under  bluffs  on  the  opposite  bank  that  commanded  the  posi- 
tion, lay  Colonel  D.  Stuart's  brigade  of  General  Sherman's  division. 
Some  three  or  four  'miles  distant  from  this  brigade,  on  the  lower  Cor- 
inth road,  between  that  and  the  road  to  Purdy,  lay  the  remaining  bri- 
gades of  Sherman's  division,  McDowell's  forming  the  extreme  right  of 
the  whole  advance  line.  Hildebrand's  came  next  to  it,  and  Buckland's 
following.  Next  to  Buckland's  brigade,  though  rather  behind  a  portion 
of  Sherman's,  lay  Major-General  McClernand's  division,  and  between  it 
and  Stuart's  brigade,  already  mentioned  as  forming  the  extreme  left, 
Brigadier-General  Prentiss'  division  completed  the  line. 

Back  of  this  line,  within  a  mile  of  the  Landing,  lay  Ilurlbut's  division^ 
stretching  across  the  Corinth  road,  with  W.  II.  L.  Wallace's  to  his  right. 
Such  was  the  position  of  the  Union  troops  at  Pittsburg  Landing  at  day- 
break on  Sunday  morning.  Major-General  Lew.  Wallace's  division 
arrived  at  about  halfpast  seven  o'clock  that  day. 

Nearly  four  miles  int^vened  between  the  different  parts  of  Sherman's 
division.  McClernand's  lay  partially  behind  Sherman,  and  t^ere  was  a 
'gap  between  him  and  Prentiss,  which  the  rebels  did  not  fail  speedily  to 
find.  The  extreme  left  was  commanded  by  miguarded  heights,  easily 
approached  from  Corinth. 

Tlie  secession  army  was  commanded  by  General  Johnston ;  Beaure- 
gard was  second  in  command.     The  three  army  corps  were  led  by  Har- 
dee, Polk,  and  Bragg.     Breckinridge  commanded  the  reserve. 
24 


870  THE   WAB   FOU   THE   UNION. 

On  the  evening  of  Friday,  April  4,  there  had  been  a  preliminary  skir- 
mish  with  the  enemy's  advance.  Rumdrs  reached  the  Union  camp  that 
some  officers  had  been  taken  prisoners  by  a  considerable  rebel  force,  near 
the  lines,  and  that  pickets  had  been  firing.  A  brigade,  the  Seventieth, 
Seventy-second  and  Forty-eighth  Ohio  regiments,  was  sent  out  to  ascer- 
tain the  facts.  They  came  upon  a  party  of  rebels,  perhaps  a  thousand 
strong,  and  after  a  sharp  action  drove  them  off,  losing  Major  Crocket,  of 
the  Seventy-second  Ohio,  and  two  lieutenants  from  the  Seventieth  were 
taken  prisoners.  In  return  the  Union  party  took  sixteen  prisoners,  and 
drove  the  rebels  back  to  a  battery  which  they  had  placed  undiscovered 
at  no  great  distance  from  the  Federal  lines.  General  Lew.  Wallace's 
troops,  at  Crump's  Landing,  were  ordered  out  under  arms ;  they  marched 
to  Adamsville,  half  way  between  the  river  and  Purdy,  to  hold  position 
there  and  resist  any  attack  in  that  direction.  The  long  rainy  night 
passed  drearily  and  uncomfortably,  but  no  further  hostile  demonstrations 
were  made,  and  it  was  generally  supposed  that  the  affair  had  been  an 
ordinary  picket  fight,  presaging  nothing  more.  On  Saturday  there  was 
more  skirmishing  along  the  advanced  lines. 

The  secession  leaders  at  Corinth  knew  that  they  largely  outnum- 
bered Grant,  and  that  no  measures  had  been  taken  to  strengthen  the 
position  at  Pittsburg  landing ;  they  knew  equally  well,  that  when  Buell's 
entire  Kentucky  army  was  added  to  Grant's  forces,  they  could  not  pos- 
sibly expect  to  hold  their  important  position  at  Corinth.  Their  only 
hope  lay  in  attacking  Grant  before  Buell  arrived,  and  defeating  his  troops 
in  detail. 

During  Friday-  and  Saturday  the  enemy  had  marched  out  of  Corinth, 
about  seventy  thousand  strong,  in  three  lines  of  battle ;  the  first  and 
second  extending  from  Owl  Creek  on  the  left  to  Lick  Creek  on  the 
right— a  distance  (jf  about  three  miles,  supported  by  the  third  and  the 
reserve.  The  first  line,  under  INIajor-General  Hardee,  was  constituted  of 
his  corps,  augmented  on  his  right  by  Gladden's  brigade,  of  Major-Gene- 
ral  Bragg's  corps,  deployed  in  line  of  battle,  with  their  respective  artil- 
lery, following  immediately  by  the  main  road  to  Pittsburg,  and  the 
cavalry  in  rear  of  the  wings.  The  second  line,  composed  of  the  other 
troop  of  Bragg's  corps,  followed  Hardee  at  a  distance  of  five  hundred 
yards,  in  the  same  order  as  the  first.  The  apiy  corps  under  General 
Polk  followed  the  second  line,  at  the  distance  of  about  eight  hundred 
yards,  in^ines  of  brigades,  deployed  with  their  batteries  in  rear  of  each 
brigade,  moving  by  the  Pittsburg  road,  the  left  wing  supported  by 
cavalry.  The  reserve,  under  Brigadier-General  Breckinridge,  followed 
closely  the  third  line,  in  the  same  order,  its  right  wing  supported  by 
cavalry. 


BATTLE    OF   PITrSBUKG   LANDING.  ,  871 

THE   BATTLE    ON   SUNDAY. 

As  if  in  beautiful  contrast  with  the  terrible  scenes  '^hat  were  soon  to 
follow,  the  holy  Sabbath-day  which  dawned  on  the  sixth  of  April  was 
one  of  unusual  loveliness.  The  soft  spring  sunshine  lay  upon  the  green 
slopes,  breaking  up  their,  delicate  green  with  a  thousand  fleeting 
shadows  flung  downward  by  the  young  leaves.  A  gentle,  pleasant  wind 
shook  the  budding  branches,  and  happy  birds  were  singing  their  love- 
tunes  in  the  underbrush,  a  touching  prelude-  to  the  stern  battle  music 
that  soon  put  them  to  flight.  A  few  fleecy  clouds  wreathed  them- 
selves along  the  serene  blue  of  the  sky,  and  floated  idly  over  the  battle 
field,  casting  transparent  shadows  now  in  some  green  hollow,  then  upon 
a  hill  slope,  till  the  whole  field  smiled  like  an  Eden — smiled  even  after 
the  cannon  belched  their  thunders  over  it.  While  the  morning  dew  was 
yet  on  the  grass,  the  enemy  began  pouring  the  fire  and  smoke  of  a  most 
deadly  strife  over  this  lovely  scene. 

The  attack  commenced  so  suddenly  and  with  such  bitter  violence, 
that  the  enemy's  artillery  was  brought  to  bear  on  the  outer  camps 
almost  simultaneously  with  the  arrival  of  the  pickets  they  had  driven  in. 

The  divisions  of  Sherman  and  Prentiss,  composed  in  a  great  part  of 
inexperienced  troops,  were  selected  and  compelled  to  meet  the  first 
shock  of  the  enemy's  onset.  Much  confusion  and  panic  was  occasioned 
by  the  sudden  and  unexpected  attack,  from  which  neither  corps  was  • 
able  fully  to  recover  during  the  day.  Both  commanders  exerted  them- 
selves with  bravery  and  skill  in  the  trying  crisis,  and  were  soon  enabled 
to  bring  the  greater  part  of  their  troops  into  line  of  battle,  and  check 
the  advance  of  the  Confederate  forces,  which  were  then  devastating  the 
Federal  camps.. 

It  is  impossible  to  describe  the  fearful  scenes  that  followed  the  first 
wild  onset  of  the  enemy.  Many  of  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  the 
more  tardy  officers  and  men  were  shot  in  their  tents  and  left  for  dead, 
lying  through  the  whole  of  this  fearful  struggle,  gasping  in  their  agony. 
On  Monday  evening  some  of  these  poor  fellows  were  found  in  the 
riddled  tents,  scarcely  able  to  ask  for  the  drink  for  which  they  were 
perishing. 

But  the  Union  forces  were  not  long  held  at  this  terrible  disadvantage. 
As  the  enemy  advanced  in  force  on  Sherman's  centre,  and  a  battery 
opened  fire  in  the  woods,  shelling  the  Federal  camp,  the  Unionists  were 
in  a  condition  to  respond  with  emphasis.  Taylor's  and  Waterhouse's 
batteries  met  this  first  regular  attack. 

Under  cover  of  their  artillery,  the  rebel  advance,  by  heavy  bat- 
talions of  infantry,  was  made  obliquely  to  the  left,  across  the  open  field 
in  front  of  the  Fifty-third  Ohio,  while  solid  columns  came  in,  direct  upon 


372  rilE   WAR   FOR  THE    UNIOIT. 

Sherman's  front.  Immediately  the  entire  line  opened  fire,  and  the  bat- 
tle became  general.  The  enemy's  design  was  to  left-flank  Sherman.  To 
this  end  he  flung  himself  with  terrific  force  upon  Prentiss.  Directly 
the  sound  of  musketry  and  artillery  announced  that  Prentiss  was 
engaged,  and  at  nine  a.  m.  he  was  falling  back.  About  this  time 
Appier's  regiment  broke,  followed  by  Hunger's  regiment,  and  the 
enemy  pressed  forward  on  Waterhouse's  battery,  exposed  by  the  dis- 
ordered retreat.  The  three  Illinois  regiments  in  immediate  support  of 
this  battery  stood  for  some  time,  but  the  enemy's  advance  was  so  im- 
petuous and  his  fire  so  terrific  that  they  began  to  waver.  While  the 
Forty-third  Illinois  was  in  the  thickest  of  the  iron  storm.  Colonel 
Raith  recei\'ed  a  severe  wound  and  fell  from  his  horse.  This  threw  his 
regiment  into  some  disorder,  and  the  enemy  got  possession  of  three 
guns  of  Waterhouse's  battery. 

Although  the  left  was  thus  turned,  and  the  enemy  pressing  the  whole 
line.  Colonels  McDowell  and  Buckland  held  their  ground  until  ten 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  when  the  enemy  had  got  his  artillery  to  the  rear  of  the 
Union  left  flank,  and  some  changes  became  absolutely  necessary.  Two 
regiments  of  Ilildebrand's  brigade — Appier's  and  Munger's — had  already 
disappeared  to  the  rear,  and  Ilildebrand's  own  regiment  was  in  disorder. 
Taylor's  battery — still  at  Sliiloh — received  ordeVs  to  fall  back  as  far  as 
the  Purdy  and  Hamburg  road ;  and  McDowell  and  Buckland  were 
directed  to  adopt  that  road  as  their  new  line.  Behr's  battery  at  the 
cross-roads,  was  ordered  immediately  to  come  into  battery  action  right. 
As  Captain  Behr  gave  the  order,  he  was  shot  from  his  horse,  when 
the  drivers  and  gunners  fled  in  confusion,  carrying  oft'  the  caissons, 
and  abandoning  five  out  of  the  six  guns.  The  enemy  pressed  on  after 
gaining  this  battery,  and  the  Unionists  wore  again  forced  to  choose  a 
Une  of  defence.  Hildebrand's  brigade  had  substantially  disappeared 
from  the  field,  though  he  himself  bravely  remained.  McDowell's  and 
Buckland's  brigades  still  maintained  their  organizations,  and  joined 
McClernand's  right,  thus  abandoning  the  original  camps  and  line. 

General  Prentiss,  too,  brave,  eager,  and  resolute  to  retrieve  lost 
ground,  reformed  his  lines  under  the  hot  fire  of  the  enemy,  without  a 
choice  of  position,  and  in  the  full  raking  fire  of  the  foe,  hid  in  the  scrub 
oak  jungles,  which  gave  them  secure  covert.  If  his  troops  had  cowered 
at  first,  the  remainder  of  his  division  held  their  position  and  braved  the 
galling  fire  it  was  impossible  to  return  with  the  heroism  of  old  veterans. 
Hildebrand  and  McDowell  were  compelled  to  withdraw  their  brigades 
from  their  camps  to  a  ravine  behind  them,  but  they  made  a  gallant  de- 
fence, while  Buckland's  men  fell  back,  and  McClernand  threw  fo'-ward 
his  left,  supporting  them. 

It  is  hardly  to  be  wondered  that  the  raw  regiments  broke  under  this 


sHi 


BATTLE   OF   PITTSBURG   LANDING.  373 

appalling  fire,  before  which  veteran  troops  were  powerless  to  stand. 
Yet  it  must  be  said  tiiat  Ilildebrand's  brigade  gave  way  with  unreason- 
able panic.  Colonel  Ilildebrand  himself  was  cool  and  self-possessed 
as  any  man  that  ever  led  a  hostile  force.  He  made  a  powerful  effort 
to  keep  his  trooi>s  in  place  when  he  saw  them  giving  way ;  but  the 
power  of  a  single  man  is  unavailing  when  panic  seizes  the  masses.  Still 
this  brave  hero  kept  his  individual  regiment  in  force  a  full  hour  after 
Appier's  and  Hunger's  regiments  had  retired  from  their  proper  field  of 
action,  and  thus  a  larger  portion  of  his  forces  were  scattered  and  drifted 
away  from  the  contest. 

Prentiss  still  fought  valiantly,  but  down  on  either  flank  came  the 
enemy  in  an  overwh3!ming  rush,  and  a  wall  of  bayonets  closed  him  in 
on  either  side.  It  Avas  an  appalling  situation.  The  enemy  made  vigorous 
use  of  his  advantage.  They  had  driven  two  divisions  from  their  camps 
and  nedrly  opened  a  passage  to  the  river.  Here  it  was,  between 
nine  and  ten  o'clock,  that  McArthur's  brigade  of  W.  H.  L.  Wallace's 
division  came  up  t(^  give  assistance  to  Stuart's  brigade,  of  Sherman's 
division,  now  in  imminent  danger  of  being  cut  off.  Mistaking  the  way, 
McArthur  marched  far  to  the  right,  and  instead  of  reaching-  Stuart, 
came  in  on  the  other  side  of  the  rebels,  now  closely  pushing  Prentiss. 
His  men  at  once  opened  vigorously  on  the  enemy,  and  for  a  time  they 
seemed  likely  to  save  the  impei'illed  division.  But  coming  unawares 
upon  the  enemy,  their  positions  were  not  Avell  chosen,  and  the  whole 
force  Avas  compelled  to  fall  back  together. 

hurlbut's  division. 

Hurlbut's  division,  in  reserve,  saved  the  first  repulse  from  proving 
an  absolute  defeat,  by  offering  a  line  behind  which  the  discomfited 
divisions  of  Sherman  and  Prentiss  could  re-form,  while  his  solid  ranks 
were  a  wall  of  steel  against  which  the  enemy  could  not  prevail.  The 
General,  in  his  report,  says  of  their  five  hours'  service : 

"  Receiving  from  General  Prentiss  a  pressing  request  for  aid,  I  took 
command  in  person  of  the  first  and  third  brigades,  respectively  com- 
manded by  Colonel  N.  G.  Williams,  of  the  Third  Iowa,  and  Brigadier- 
General  Lauman.  The  first  brigade  consisted  of  the  Third  Iowa, 
Forty-first  Illinois,  Twenty-eighth  Illinois  and  Thirty-second  Illinois. 
The  thijrd  brigade  was  composed  of  the  Thirty-first  and  Forty-fourth 
Indiana,  the  Seventeenth  and  Twenty-fifth  Kentucky. 

"  In  addition,  I  took  with  me  the  first  and  second  battalions  of  the 
Fifth  Ohio  cavalry  ;  Mann's  light  battery  of  four  pieces  commanded  by 
first  Lieutenant  E.  Brotzmann ;  Ross'  battery  of  the  Second  Michigan ; 
and  Meyer's  battery  of  the  Thirteenth  Ohio. 

"  I  formed  my  line  of  battle — the  fii-st  brigade  thrown  to  the  front 


374  THE   WAR   FOB   THE   UNION. 

on  the  southerly  side  of  a  large  open  field — the  third  brigade  continu- 
ing the  line  with  an  obtuse  angle  around  the  other  side  of  the  field,  and 
extending  some  distance  into  the  brush  and  timber.  Mann's  battery 
Aras  placed  in  the  angle  of  the  lines,  Ross'  battery  some  distance  to  the 
left,  and  the  Thirteenth  Ohio  battery  on  the  right,  and  somewhat  ad- 
vanced in  cover  of  the  timber,  so  as  to  concentrate  the  fire  upon  the 
open  ground  in  front,  and  waited  for  the  attack." 

At  half-past  seven  o'clock,  when  Brigadier-General  Sherman  was  attack- 
ed in  force  and  heavily  upon  his  left,  Colonel  I.  C.  Veatch,  commanding 
the  second  brigade  of  General  Ilurlbut's  division,  was  ordered  to  pro- 
ceed to  the  left  of  General  Sherman.  This  brigade,  consisting  of  the 
Twenty-fifth  Indiana,  Fourteenth,  Fifteenth,  and  Forty-sixth  Illinois, 
was  in  march  in  ten  minutes,  arrived  on  General  Sherman's  left  and 
went  into  action  rapidly.  In  a  few  minutes  they  were  in  line  of  battle, 
and  moving  forward  to  the  attack.  But  the  brigade  had  hardly  left  the 
camp  before  it  found  the  roads  full  of  flying  Unionists,  and  the  route  for 
two  miles  was  strewn  with  guns,  knapsacks,  and  blankets.  The  front 
had  been  completely  surprised ;  nearly  a  whole  division  was  scattered 
and  retreating  in  utter  confusion,  and  the  enemy  in  force  was  already  a 
mile  within  the  Federal  camps.  The  brigade,  under  command  of  Colonel 
Veatch,  was  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  in  a  skirt -of  timber,  bordering  a 
large  field,  on  the  outer  edge  of  which  the  Federal  troops  were  engag- 
ing the  enemy.  But  the  enemy  pressed  on  in  overwhelming  force,  and 
just  as  the  troops  in  front  began  to  waver,  they  discovered  that  he 
had  flanked  Veatch  on  the  right  and  "syas  rapidly  advancing  to  attack 
the  brigade  on  the  right  and  rear. 

The  Fifteenth  Illinois  was  on  the  right,  the  Fourteenth  Illinois  in  the 
centre,  and  the  Twenty-fifth  Indiana  on  the  left — the  other  regiment,  the 
Forty-sixth  Illinois,  by  the  rapid  flanking  of  the  enemy  became  detached 
from  the  brigade,  and  was  not  with  it  again  during  the  action.  This 
brought  the  first  fire  upon  the  Fifteenth  Illinois,  which  stood  it  nobly,  but 
was  soon  overpowered  ;  the  Fourteenth  followed  with  a  like  result.  In 
the  mean  time  the  troops  in  front  and  on  the  left  were  completely  routed 
by  the  enemy,  and  came  pell  mell  through  the  Union  lines,  causing  *somo 
little  confusion.  Hardly  had  they  passed  through  to  the  rear  before  the 
enemy  came  rushing  on,  and  the  fire  of  musketry  became  terrific.  There 
was  no  resisting  this  fiery  onset  short  of  annihilation ;  so  with  a  few 
well  directed  volleys  the  brigade  left  the  field.  The  loss  was  very 
heavy.  All  the  field  officers  of  the  Tvventy-fifth  Illinois  were  killed 
instantly ;  two  lieutenants  were  killed  and  three  wounded. 

m'clernand's  division. 
McClcrnand's  division  lay  a  short  distance  in  the  rear,  and  with  one 


BATTLE    OF    PITTSBURG   I ANDING.  375 

Drigade  stretching  out  to  the  left  of  Sherman's  line.  Properly  speak- 
ing, mei  ely  from  the  location  of  the  camp,  he  did  not  belong  to  the  front 
line.  Two-thirds  of  his  division  were  entirely  behind  Sherman.  But 
as  the  latter  fell  back,  McClernand  Avas  compelled  to  bear  the  shock  of 
battle. 

His  division  was  composed  as  follows : — First  brigade,  Colonel  Hare 
commanding,  Eighth  and  Eighteenth  Illinois,  Eleventh  and  Thirteenth 
Iowa;  Second  brigade.  Colonel  C.  C.  Marsh  commanding,  Eleventh, 
Twentieth,  Forty-eighth  and  Forty-fifth  Illinois,  Colonels  Ransom, 
Marsh,  Ha}Tiie  and  Smith  (the  latter  was  the  "  Lead  Mine  regiment ") ; 
Third  brigade,  Colonel  Raith  commanding,  Seventeenth,  Twenty-ninth 
and  Forty-ninth  Illinois,  Lieutenant-Colonels  Wood,  Farrell  and  Pease, 
and  Forty-third  Illinois,  Colonel  Marsh.  Besides  this  fine  show  of  expe- 
rienced troops,  they  had  Schwartz's,  Dresser's,  McAllister's  and  Water- 
house's  batteries. 

McClernand  was  at  once  in  the  hottest  of  the  fight.  As  Buckner's 
brigade  fell  back,  the  protecting  woods  grew  thinner  and  storms  of 
grape  swept  over  them  like  the  blasts  of  a  tornado.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Canfield,  commanding  the  Seventy-second  Ohio,  was  mortally  wounded, 
and  borne  dying  from  the  field.  Colonel  Sullivan,  of  the  Forty-eighth 
Ohio,  was  wounded,  but  continued  at  the  head  of  his  men.  Company 
ofiicers  fell  in  numbers  and  were  carried  away  from  the  field.  The 
rebels,  by  a  sudden  dash,  had  taken  part  of  Watei'house's  battery,  which 
McClernand  had  sent  over.  Behr's  battery,  too,  was  taken,  and  Tay- 
lor's Chicago  Light  Artillery  was  terribly  exposed,  and  compelled  to 
retire  with  heavy  loss.  As  the  troops  gave  way  they  came  out  from 
the  open  woods  into  old  fields,  completely  raked  by  the  enemy's  fire. 
For  them  all  Avas  lost,  and  away  went  Buckner's  and  Hildebrand's  bri- 
gades, Ohioans  and  Illinoisans  together,  to  the  rear  and  right. 

McDowell's  brigade  had  fallen  back  less  slowly  than  its  two  com- 
panions of  the  same  division.  It  was  now  left  entirely  alone.  Having 
formed  the  extreme  right,  it  had  no  support  there ;  its  supporting  bri- 
gades on  the  left  had  gone ;  and  through  the  space  they  had  occupied 
the  rebels  were  pouring  furiously.  In  imminent  danger  of  being  entirely 
cut  off,  they  fell  back  among  the  ravines  that  border  Snake  creek. 

Sherman  was.  indefatigable  in  collecting  and  reorganizing  his  men, 
and  a  contest  was  kept  up  along  portions  of  his  new  lines.  The  General 
bore  with  him  one  token  of  the  danger  to  which  he  had  so  recklessly 
exposed  himself— a  musket  ball  through  the  hand.  It  was  a  miracle 
that  he  escaped  so  slightly,  for  his  courage  had  been  conspicuous.  He 
had  dared  death  fifty  times  slii.'e  the  attack  was  made  on  his  raw  division 
that  memorable  Sunday  inorning. 

Now  the  great  force  of  the  enemy  fell  on  McClemand's  right.    As 


376  THE    WAR   FOR  THE   UNION. 

Sherman  fell  back,  McCIernand  was  compelled  to  bring  in  his  brigades 
to  protect  his  left  against  the  onset  of  the  rebels,  who,  seeing  how  he 
had  weakened  himself,  hurled  themselves  against  him  with  tremendous 
force,  A  couple  of  new  regiments^  the  Fifteenth  and  Sixteenth  Iowa, 
were  brought  up ;  b«t  taking  utterly  raw  troops  on  the  field,  under 
heavy  fire,  was  too  severe  a  trial,  and  they  gave  way  in  confusion.  Then 
the  wliole  division  made  a  change  of  front,  and  faced  along  the  Corinth 
road.  Here  the  batteries  were  placed  in  position,  and  till  ten  o'clock 
the  rebels  were  foiled  in  every  attempt  to  gain  the  road. 

But  Sherman  having  now  fallen  back  there  was  nothing  to  prevent 
the  enemy  from  coming  in  farther  out  on  the  road,  and  turning  INIcCler- 
nand's  right.  Prompt  to  #eize  the  advantage,  a  rebel  brigade  dashed 
audaciously  through  the  abandoned  camp  of  the  division,  pushing  up 
the  road  in  order  to  come  in  above  McCIernand.  Where  Sherman  had 
been,  a  battery  of  rifled  guns  was  turned  upon  them,  hurling  fearful 
slaughter  in  their  midst  and  driving  them  back. 

But  the  enemy  managed  his  reserves  with  great  skill.  A  constant 
advance  of  fresh  regiments  proved  overwhelming,  and  the  storm  of 
death  swept  many  a  brave  Union  officer  away.  Death  after  death  was 
proclaimed,  disaster  followed  disaster  with  disheartening  quickness. 

This  was  about  half-past  ten  a.  m.,  at  which  time  the  enemy  had  made 
a  furious  attack  on  General  McClernand's  whole  front.  He  struggled 
determinedly ;  but  finding  him  severely  pressed,  Sherman  moved  Mc- 
Dowell's brigade  directly  against  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy,  forced  him . 
back  some  distance,  and  then  directed  the  men  to  avail  themselves  of  every 
covei' — trees,  fallen  timber,  and  a  wooded  valley  to  the  right.  The  bri- 
gade held  this  position  for  four  long  hours,  sometimes  gaining  and  at 
others  losing  ground.  Generals  McCIernand  and  Sherman  acting  in 
perfect  concert,  and  struggling  to  maintain  this  line. 

By  eleven  o'clock,  many  of  the  commanders  of  regiments  had  fallen, 
and  in  some  cases  not  a  single  field  officer  remained ;  yet  the  fighting 
continued  with  desperate  earnestness — the  fearful  contest  on  both 
sides  was  for  death  or  .victory.  The  almost  deafening  sound  of  artil- 
lery, and  the  rattle  of  the  musketry,  were  all  that  could  be  heard. 
The  men  stood  and  bravely  delivered  their  fire,  regardless  of  the  thun- 
ders of  artillery  and  the  storm  of  iron  missiles  that  raked  through  them. 
Foot  by  foot  the  ground  was  contested.  The  wounded  fell  in  heaps  on 
the  battle  field.  There  was  no  easy  transportation  at  hand,  but  such 
means  as  the  soldiers  could  invent  were  adopted,  and  their  wounded 
comrades  carried  to  the  rear.  Many  who  were  hurt  fell  ba'ck  without 
help,  while  others  fought  in  the  ranks  imtil  they  Avere  actually  forced 
back  by  their  company  officers. 

Major  Eaton,  commanding  the  Eighteenth  Illinois,  was  killed ;  Col- 


BATTLE    OF    PITTSBUKG   LANDING. 


377 


onel  Haynie  was  severely  wounded ;  Colonel  llaith,  commanding  a 
brigade,  had  his  leg  so  shattered  that  amputation  was  necessary ;  INIajor 
Kevins,  of  the  Eleventh  Illinois,  was  wounded ;  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Ransom,  of  the  same  regiment,  was  wounded ;  three  of  General  Mc- 
Clernand's  staff — Major  Schwartz,  Major  Stewart  and  Lieutenant  Free- 
man— -Avere  wounded,  and  carried  from  the  field.  Line  officers  had 
suffered  heavily.  The  batteries  were  broken  up — Schwartz  had  lost  half 
his  guns  and  sixteen  horses.  Dresser  had  lost  several  of  his  rifled 
pieces,  three  caissons  and  eighteen  horses.  McAllister  had  lost  half  his 
tw'enty-four  pound  howitzers. 


DESPERATE   nAKD-TO-HAXD    FIGHT    OVER    SCITW ARIZ'S   BATTERY. 


The  soldiers  fought  bravely  to  the  last — ^bravely  as  ever  men  fought 
— but  they  were  at  a  terrible  disadvantage.  Gradually  they  began  fall- 
ing back,  making  a  determined  resistance ;  occasionally  they  rallied  and 
repulsed  the  enemy  for  a  hundred  yards,  then  were  beaten  back  again, 
renewing  the  retreat  to  some  new  position  for  fresh  defence. 

By  eleven  o'clock  the  division  was  back  in  a  line  Awth  Hurlbut's.  It 
Btill  did  some  gallant  fighting  ;  once  its  right  swept  round  and  drovo 
the  enemy  before  it  for  a  considerable  distance,  but  again  fell  back ; 
at  last  it  brought  up  near  the  position  of  W.  H.  L.  Wallace's  division. 

Now  Prentiss,  Sherman  and  McClcrnand  were  driven  back,  and  their 
camps  were  all  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  The  whole  front  lino,  for 
which  Ilurlburt  and  Wallace  Avere  but  the  reserves,  was  gone. 

Sherman's  brigade,  on  the  extreme  left,  Avas  doubly  loft  alone  by  the 


878  THE  ^VAU  FOi:  the  uniok. 

Generals.  General  Grant  did  not  arrive  on  the  field  until  eacli  division 
General  had  been  in  action,  and  the  respective  Generals  had  in  the  best 
manner  they  could,  carried  on  the  battle  ;  but  this  brigade  was  even 
left  by  its  division  General,  who  was  four  miles  away,  doing  his  utmost 
to  rally  his  panic-stricken  regiments  there. 

It  Avas  commanded  by  Colonel  David  Stuart,  and  was  composed  of 
the  Fifty-fifth  Illinois,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Malmbourg,  commanding ; 
Seventy-first  Ohio,  Colonel  Rodney  Mason ;  the  Fifty-fourth  Ohio 
(Zouaves),  Colonel  T.  K.  Smith.  It  was  posted  along  the  circuitous 
road  from  Pittsburg  Landing,  up  the  river  to  Hamburg,  some  two 
miles  from  the  Landing,  and  near  the  crossing  of  Lick  Creek,  the  bluffs 
on  the  opposite  side  of  which  commanded  the  position,  and  stretching 
on  down  to  join  Prentiss'  division  on  its  right. 

When  the  rebels  marched  out  from  Corinth,  a  douple  of  brigades 
(rumored  to  be  under  the  command  of  Breckinridge),  had  without  mo- 
lestation reached  the  bluffs  of  Lick  Creek,  commandijig  Stuart's  position. 

'During  the  attack  on  Prentiss,  Stuart's  brigade  was  formed  along  the 
ruad,  the  left  resting  near  the  Lick  Creek  ford,  the  right,  Seventy-first 
Ohio,  Colonel  Rodney  Mason,  being  nearest  Prentiss.  The  first  intima- 
tion they  had  of  disaster  to  their  right  was  the  partial  cessation  of  firing. 
An  instant  afterwards,  muskets  w^ere  seen  glimmering  among  the  leaves, 
and  presently  a  rebel  column  emerged  from  a  bend  in  the  road,  with 
banners  flying,  and  moving  at  double-quick  toward  them.  Their  sup- 
ports to  the  left  were  more  remote  than  the  rebels,  and  it  was  evident 
that,  with  but  one  piece  of  artillery,  a  single  regiment  could  do  nothing 
there.  They  accordingly  fell  back  toward  the  ford,  and  were  reinforced 
in  an  orchard  near  the  other  regiments. 

The  rebel  column  veered  on  further  to  the  right,  and  for  a  brief  space, 
though  utterly  isolated,  they  remained  unmolested. 

Before  ten,  however,  the  brigade,  which  stood  listening  to  the  wild 
roar  of  battle  on  the  left,  was  startled  by  a  shell  that  hurtled  directly 
over  their  heads.  In  an  instant  the  rebel  batteries  that  had  gained  the 
commanding  bluffs  opposite,  by  approaching  on  the  Corinth  and  Ham- 
burg road,  were  in  fiery  play.  The  orchards  and  open  fields  in  which 
they  were  posted,  looking  only  for  an  attack  in  the  opposite  direction, 
were  swept  with  the  exploding  shells  and  a  hail-storm  of  grape. 

Under  cover  of  this  fire  from  the  bluffs,  the  rebels  rushed  down, 
crossed  the  ford,  and  in  a  moment  were  seen  forming  on  the  creek,  in 
open  fields,  and  within  close  musket  range.  Their  color-bearers  stepped 
defiantly  to  the  front,  as  the  engagement  opened.  The  storm  came  in 
sharp  and  quick  volleys  of  musketry,  the  batteries  above  supporting 
them  with  a  destructive  fire.  The  Union  sharpshooters  panted  to  pick 
off  the  audacious  rebel  color-bearers,  but  Colonel  Stuart  interposed, — • 


BAITLB   OP   PITTSBURG   LANDING.  379 

crying  out,  "  No,  no,  they  are  too  brave  fellows  to  be  killed."  Almost 
at  the  first  fire,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Barton  S.  Kyle,  of  the  Seventy-first, 
was  shot  through  the  breast.  The  brigade  stood  firmly  at  least  ten 
minutes,  when  it  became  evident  that  its  position  was  untenable,  and  it 
fell  rapidly  back,  perhaps  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  to  the  next  ridge  ;  a  few 
of  Stuart's  men,  at  great  personal  risk,  carrying  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Kyle,  in  a  dying  condition,  from  the  field  they  were  abandoning.  Ohio 
lost  no  braver,  truer  man  that  day. 

When  they  reached  the  next  woody  ridge,  rebel  cavalry,  that  had 
crossed  the  creek  lower  down,  were  seen  coming  up  on  the  left ;  and  the 
line  of  battle  Avas  formed  fronting  in  that  direction,  to  resist  this  new 
attack.  For  three-quarters  of  an  hour  the  brigade  kept  this  position. 
Thfe  cavalry,  finding  it  prepared,  did  not  come  within  range.  In  front 
they  were  hard  pressed,  and  the  rebels  began  to  come  in  on  their  right. 
Colonel  Stuart  had  sent  across  to  Brigadier-General  W.  H.  L.  Wallace, 
then  not  engaged,  for  support,  Brigadier-General  McArthur's  brigade 
was  promptly  started  across,  but  mistaking  the  way,  and  bearing  too 
much  to  the  right,  found  itself  in  the  midst  of  the  rebel  forces.  He  vig- 
orously engaged  the  rebels  to  his  fi'ont  and  flanks,  fell  back  to  a  good 
position  and  held  these  troops  in  bay  till  the  rest  of  his  division  came 
up.  General  McArthur  was  himself  disabled  by  a  wound  in  the  foot, 
but  he  rode  to  a  hospital,  had  it  dressed,  and  returned  to  the  brigade, 
which  meantime  held  its  position  stoutly. 

But  this  brought  Stuart's  isolated  brigade  little  assistance.  They  were 
soon  forced  to  fall  back  to  another  ridge,  then  to  another,  and,  finally, 
about  twelve  o'clock,  shattered  and  broken,  they  retreated  to  the  right 
and  rear,  falling  in  behind  General  McArthur's  brigade  to  reorganize. 
Colonel  Stuart  was  himself  wounded  by  a  ball  through  his  right  shoul- 
der, and  the  loss  of  field  and  company  officers  greatly  disheartened  the 
troops. 

DESPERATE   CONDITION    OF   THE  NATIONAL  TROOPS. 

Now  the  entire  front  was  cleared.  The  enemy  had  full  possession  of 
Sherman's,  Prentiss'  and  McClernand's  camps.  By  ten  o'clock  the 
whole  front,  except  Stuart's  brigade,  had  given  way,  and  the  burden 
of  the  fight  was  restmg  on  Hurlbut  and  W.  H.  L.  Wallace.  Before 
twelve,  Stuart,  too,  had  come  back,  and  for  the  time,  those  two  divisions 
stood  absolutely  alone  between  the  Union  army  and  destruction. 

But  truly  brave  men  are  bravest  when  driven  to  extremities.  Hurl- 
but  and  W^allace  made  a  most  gallant  stand ;  and  most  of  the  troops 
from  the  three  scattered  divisions  were  still  to  some  extent  available. 
Many  of  them  had  wandered  down  the  river,  some  to  Crump's  Landing, 
and  others  even  to  Savannah,  to  be  brought  back  on  transports.     Bri- 


380  THE  WAB  FOR  THE  UNION. 

gades  could  not  be  collected  again,  much  less  divisions,  but  the  re"i- 
ments  were  gathered  together  from  the  loose  squads  wandering  about, 
and  officered,  often  by  men  who  could  find  scarcely  a  soldier  of  their 
own  comjnands.  These  were  hurried  to  the  front,  and  many  of  them 
did  good  service. 

According  to  general  understanding,  in  the  event  of  an  attack  at  Pitts- 
burg Landing,  Major-General  Lew.Wallace  was  to  come  in  on  the  Union 
right,  and  flank  the  rebels  by  marching  across  from  Crump's  Landing 
below. 

But,  as  has  been  stated,  "Wallace,  with  his  division,  though  all 
drawn  up  and  ready  to  march  anywhere  at  a  moment's  notice,  was  not 
ordered  to  Pittsburg  Landing  till  nearly  twelve  o'clock.  Then,  by 
mistake,  he  got  on  the  new  road,  four  miles  of  marching  were  lost,  and 
the  circuitous  route  made  it  a  march  of  twelve  miles  before  he  could 
reach  the  scene  of  battle.  Meantime  the  right  was  almost  wholly  un- 
protected. 

Fortunately,  however,  the  rebels  did  not  seem  to  have  discovered  the 
full  extent  of  this  weakness,  and  their  heaviest  fighting  was  done  on  the 
centre  and  left,  where  the  Union  lines  were  still  preserved. 

hurlbut's  division. 

Hurlbut's  division  stretched  across  the  Corinth  road,  facing  to  the 
left.  VV.  11.  L.  Wallace's  other  brigades  had  gone  over  to  assist  Mc- 
Arthur,  and  the  divisions  thus  reunited,  steadily  closed  the  line.  To 
Hurlbut's  right  the  lines  were  united  by  the  reorganized  regiments  that 
Lad  been  re-sent  to  the  field.    McClernand  and  Sherman  were  both  there. 

Ilurlbut  had  been  encamped  in  the  edge  of  a  stretch  of  open  fields, 
backed  with  heavy  timber,  Avhich  lay  nearest  the  river. 

Three  times  during  those  long  hojiirs  the  heavy  rebel  masses  on  the 
left  charged  upon  the  division,  and  three  times  were  they  repulsed  with 
terrible  slaughter.  Close,  sharp,  continuous  musketry  filled  the  air  with 
fire  and  smoke — whole  lines  belched  their  furious  fire  on  the  rebels, 
and  a  leaden  storm  swept  the  fields  over  which  they  attempted  to  ad- 
vance with  terrible  fsry.  No  troops  could  have  withstood  this  deadly 
fire.  Kebel  discipline  gave  way  under  it,  though  dead  bodies  left  scat- 
tered over  the  field,  even  on  Monday  evening,  ftore  ghastly  testimony 
to  the  daring  with  which  they  had  been  precipitated  towards  the  Federal 
lines. 

The  rebel  generals  handled  their  forces  with  a  skill  that  extorted  ad- 
miration even  from  their  enemies.  Repulse  Avas  nothing  to  them ;  if  a 
rush  on  the  Union  lines  failed,  they  took  their  disordered  troops  to  the 
rear,  and  sent  up  fresh  forces,  who  ignorant  of  the  deadly  reception  that 
awaited  them,  were  ready  to  make  a  new  trial.    Hurlbut's  jaded  division 


BATTLE    OF   PITTSBURG   LANDIXQ.  381 

was  compelled  to  yield  at  last,  and  after  six  hours'  iriagnificent  fighting, 
it  fell  back  of  its  camos  to  a  point  within  half  a  mile  of  the  landing. 

Wallace's  division. 

Ilurlbut's  companion  division — that  of  Brigadier-General  "W.  II.  L. 
Wallace,  included  the  Second  and  Seventh  Iowa,  Ninth  and  Twenty- 
eighth  Illinois,  and  several  of  the  other  regiments  composing  ]\Iajor- 
General  Smith's  old  division.  Wallace  had  also  three  excellent  bat- 
teries— Stone's,  Richardson's  and  Weber's,  all  from  Missouri. 

With  him,  too,  the  fight  began  about  ten  o'clock,  as  already  described. 
From  that  time  till  four  in  the  afternoon  his  troops  bore  up  manfully. 
The  musketry  fire  was  absolutely  continuous ;  there  was  scarcely  a 
moment  that  some  part  of  the  line  was  not  pouring  in  their  rattling  vol- 
leys, and  the  artillery  sent  forth  its  death- thunders  with  but  little  in- 
termission through  the  entire  time. 

Once  or  twice  the  infantry  advanced,  attempting  to  drive  back  the  con. 
tinually  increasing  enemy ;  but  though  they  could  hold  their  own  ground, 
their  numbers  were  unequal  to  the  task  of  conquering  more. 
^  Four  sepai'ate  times  in  turn  the  rebels  attempted  to  charge  on  them. 
Each  time  the  infantry  poured  in  its  quickest  volleys,  the  artillery  re- 
doubled its  exertions,  and  the  rebels  retreated  with  heavy  slaughter. 
The  division  was  eager  to  remain,  even  when  Ilurlbut  fell  back,  and 
the  noble  fellows  serving  the  guns  were  particularly  indignant  when 
compelled  to  silence  their  own  batteries.  But  their  supports  were  gone 
on  both  sides.  It  Avas  madness  to  remain  in  isolated  advance.  Just;  as  the 
necessity  for  retreating  wa,s  becoming  apparent.  General  Wallace,  whose 
cool,  collected  bravery  had  commanded  universal  admiration,  was,  as  it 
was  believed,  mortally  wounded,  and  borne  away  from  the  field.  At 
last  the  division  fell  back.  Its  soldiers  claim  the  proud  distinction  of 
being  the  last  to  yield,  in  the  general  breaking  up  of  the  lines  that 
gloomy  Sunday  afternoon. 

Captain  Stone  could  not  resist  the  temptation  of  stopping,  as  he  passed 
what  had  been  Ilurlbut's  headquarters,  to  try  a  few  parting  shots.  IIo 
did  fine  execution,  but  his  wheel  horses  were  shot  down,  and  he  narrowly 
escaped  losing  his  guns. 

With  the  first  dash  of  the  enemy  on  the  left  wing,  it  became  evident 
that  a  stupendous  effort  would  be  put  forth  to  break  through  it.  For 
two  hours  sheets  of  fire  blazed  from  both  columns,  and  clouds.of  smoke 
surged  up  between  them  with  the  rush  and  stifling  effect  of  a  prairie 
fire.  The  Mississippi  riflemen  in  the  enemy's  ranks  fought  with  terriblo 
valor,  which  was  met  with  steady  heroism  by  those  who  stood  firmly 
under  their  unerring  fire.  Three  different  times  the  enemy  seemed  on 
the  verge  of  a  victory.    They  drove  the  Union  forces  slowly  before 


882  THE  WAK  FOK  THE   ITNION. 

them  until  they  came  in  sight  of  the  river,  but  up  to  three  o'clock  the 
desperate  attempt  to  break  the  Federal  lines  proved  unavailing.  Hav- 
ing failed  to  drive  in  the  main  columns,  they  had  turned  with  furious 
strength  on  the  right  wing ;  baffled  there,  they  made  another  onset  on 
the  left  wing,  fighting  more  desperately  than  ever.  But  the  Union 
lines  were  prepared  for  the  assault,  fierce  as  it  was,  and  met  it  with  won- 
derful steadiness. 

The  whole  army  was  crowded-  into  Wallace's  camps,  and  confined  in 
a  circuit  of  from  half  to  two-thirds  of  a  mile  around  the  Landing.  The 
Union  army  fighting  bravely,  had  been  falling  back  inch  by  inch  all  day. 
The  next  repulse  threatened  to  drive  them  into  the  river. 

Brigadier-General  Prentiss  and*,  three  regiments  with  him — the 
Twenty-third  Missouri,  of  his  own  division,  and  the  Twelfth  and 
Fourteenth  Iowa,  of  those  that  had  come  to  his  assistance — delayed 
their  retreat  too  long,  having  relied  too  confidently  on  their  supporting 
division  to  check  a  flank  movement  of  the  enemy.  Almost  before  they 
saw  their  danger,  the  flanking  forces  rushed  in  from  either  side  beliind 
them,  and'  they  stood,  perhaps  two  thousand  strong,  in  the  midst  of 
thrice  their  number.  Hedged  in  with  battalions,  with  a  forest  of  steel 
bristling  on  every  side,  these  brave  men  yielded  to  the  force  of  numbers, 
and  were  taken  prisoners,  after  fighting  bravely  till  further  contest 
would  have  been  self-murder. 

Meantime  Sherman's  brigades  had  maintained  a  confused  fight.  Buck- 
land's  were  almost  gone,  Hildebrand's  and  McDowell's  were  holding 
their  ground  more  tenaciously. 

General  Hurlbut  gives  a  clear  statement  of  the  retreat  and  final  posi- 
tion of  the  Federal  forces  on  Sunday  afternoon  : 

"  When,  about  three  o'clock.  Colonel  Stewart,  on  my  left,  sent  me 
•word  that  he  was  driven  in,  and  that  I  would  be  flanked  in  a  few  mo- 
ments, it  was  necessary  for  me  to  decide  at  once  to  abandon  either  the 
right  or  left.  I  considered  that  General  Prentiss  could,  with  the  left  of 
General  McClernand's  troops,  probably  hold  the  right,  and  sent  him 
notice  to  reach  out  toward  the  right,  and  drop  back  steadily  parallel 
with  my  first  brigade,  while  I  rapidly  moved  General  Lauman  from  the 
right  to  the  left,  and  called  up  two  twenty-pound  pieces  of  Major 
Cavender's  battalion  to  check  the  advance  of  the  enemy  upon  the  first 
brigade.  These  pieces  were  taken  into  action  by  Dr.  Corvine,  the  sur- 
geon of  the  battalion,  and  Lieutenant  Edwards,  and  effectually  checked 
the  enemy  for  half  an  hour,  giving  me  time  to  draw  off  my  crippled 
artillery,  and  to  form  a  new  front  with  the  third  brigade.  In  a  few  • 
minutes,  two  Texas  regiments  crossed  the  ridge  separating  my  line 
from  Stuart's  former  one,  while  other  troops  also  advanced. 

"  Willard's  battery  was  thrown  into  position,  under  command  of 


BATTLE   OF    PITTSBUBG   LANDING.  388 

Lieutenant  Wood,  and  opened  with  great  effect  on  the  Lone  Star  flags, 
until  tlieir  line  of  fire  was  obstructed  by  tlie  charge  of  the  third  brigade, 
which,  after  deUvering  its  fire  with  great  steadiness,  charged  up  the  hill, 
and  drove  the  enemy  back  three  or  four  hundred  yards.  Perceiving 
that  a  heavy  force  was  closing  on  the  left,  between  my  line  and  the 
river,  while  heavy  firing  continued  on  the  right  and  front,  I  ordered  the 
line  to  fall  back.  The  retreat  was  made  steadily,  and  in  good  order.  I 
had  hoped  to  make  a  stand  on  the  line  of  my  camp,  but  masses  of  the 
enemy  were  pressing  on  each  flank,  while  their  light  artillery  was  clos- 
ing rapidly  in  the  rear.  On  reaching  the  twenty-four-pounder  siege  guns 
in  battery,  near  the  river,  I  again  succeeded  in  forming  line  of  battle  in 
rear  of  the  guns,  and,  by  direction  of  Major-General  Grant,  I  assumed 
command  of  all  troops  that  came  up.  Broken  regiments  and  disordered 
battalions  came  into  line  gradually  upon  my  division. 

"  Major  Cavender  posted  six  of  his  twenty-pound  pieces  on  my  right, 
and  I  sent  my  aid  to  establish  the  light  artillery,  all  that  could  be  found, 
on  my  left.  Many  officers  and  men,  unknown  to  me,  fled  in  confusion 
through  the  line.  Many  gallant  soldiers  and  brave  officers  rallied 
steadily  on  the  new  line.  I  passed  to  the  right  and  found  myself  in 
communication  with  General  Sherman,  and  received  his  instructions.  In 
a  short  time  the  epemy  appeared  on  the  crest  of  the  ridge,  led  by  the 
Thirteenth  Louisiana,  but  were  cut  to  pieces  by  the  steady  and  murder- 
ous fire  of  our  artillery." 

The  enemy  were  in  possession  of  nearly  all  the  Union  camps  and 
camp  equipage.  Half  the  field  artillery  had  fallen  into  his  hands ;  a 
division  general  had  been  captured — many  officers  had  followed  him,  and 
more  than  one  regiment  of  soldiers  had  been  made  prisoners.  The  bat- 
tle field  was  cumbered  at  every  step  with  killed  and  wounded ;  the  hos- 
pital tents  were  overflowing  and  crowded  with  human  agony.  A  long 
ridge  bluflT  set  apart  for  surgical  purposes  swarmed  with  the  maimed, 
the  dead  and  the  dying,  whose  cries  and  groans  broke  fearfully  through 
the  pauses  of  the  artillery.  A  dogged,  stubborn  resolution  took  possess- 
ion of  the  men ;  regiments  bad  lost  their  favorite  officers ;  companies 
had  been  bereft  of  their  captains.  Still  they  continued  to  figlit  despe- 
rately, but  with  little  hope. 

At  three  o'clock  the  gunboat  Tyler  opened  fire  on  the  enemy,  and  at 
four  the  Lexington  came  up,  taking  position  half  a  mile  above  the  land- 
ing, and  opened  fire,  striking  terror  into  the  ranks  of  the  enemy. 

General  Grant  was  confident  that  his  troops  could  hold  the  enemy  off 
tUl  morning,  and  said  this  while  standing  with  his  staff  in  a  group  by 
the  old  log  post-office  on  the  landing,  which  was  then  crowded  with 
surgeons  and  the  wounded  ;  but  still  the  men  fought  with  a  despairing 
light  in  their  eyes. 


384  THK    WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 

In  a  time  like  this,  minutes  count  for  years.  General  Grant  used  them 
to  a  golden  purpose.  Colonel  Webster,  chief  of  staff,  and  an  artillery- 
officer  of  ability,  had  arranged  all  the  guns  he  could  collect  in  a  sort  of 
semi-circle,  protecting  the  Landing,  and  bearing  chiefly  on  the  Union 
centre  and  left,  by  which  the  rebels  were  pretty  sure  to  advance. 
Corps  of  artillerists  to  man  them  were  improvised  from  all  the  batteries 
that  could  be  found.  Twenty-two  guns  in  all  were  placed  in  position. 
Two  of  them  were  very  heavy  siege  guns,  long  thirty-two's.  Where 
they  came  from,  what  battery  they  belonged  to,  no  man  questioned.  It 
was  quite  unimportant.  Enough  that  they  were  there,  in  the  right  place, 
half  a  mile  back  from  the  bluff,  sweeping  the  approaches  by  the  left,  and 
by  the  ridge  Corinth  road,  but  with  few  to  work  them.  Dr.  Corvine, 
Burgeon  of  Frank  Blair's  First  Missouri  Artillery,  proffered  his  ser- 
vices, which  were  gladly  acceptegl,  and  he  worked  them  with  terrible 
effect. 

It  Avas  half-past  four  o'clock — perhaps  later  still.  Every  division  of 
the  Union  army  on  the  field  had  been  repulsed.  Tlie  enemy  occupied 
almost  all  their  camps.  The  struggling  remnant  of  Federal  troops  had 
been  driven  to  within  little  over  half  a  mile  of  the  Landing.  Behind 
was  a  deep,  rapid  river.  In  front  was  a  victorious  enemy.  Still  there 
was  an  hour  for  fighting.  O,  that  night  or  Lew.  Wallace  would  come ! 
Nelson's  division  of  Buell's  army  evidently  could  not  cross  in  time  to 
save  the  day.  No  one  could  tell  why  Lew.  Wallace  was  not  on  the 
ground.  In  the  justice  of  a  righteous  cause,  and  in  that  semi-circle  of 
twenty-two  guns  in  position,  lay  all  the  hope, these  beleagured  men 
could  sec. 

At  five  o'clock  the  artillery  which  had  been  thundering  so  stormily, 
held  its  fire  a  little ;  the  flash  of  muskets  from  the  enemy's  lines  died 
away,  and  his  columns  fell  back  on  the  centre  for  nearly  a  mile.  With 
a  sudden  swoop  they  wheeled  and  again  threw  their  entire  force  on  the 
left  wing,  determined  to  end  the  fearful  contest  of  the  day  then  and 
there. 

Suddenly  a  broad,  sulphurous  flash  of  light  leaped  out  from  the  dark- 
ening woods,  and  through  the  glare  and  smoke  came  whistling  leaden 
hail.  The  rebels  were  making  their  crowning  effort  for  the  day,  and  as 
was  expected,  they  came  from  the  left  and  centre.  They  had  wasted  their 
fire  at  one  thousand  yards.  Instantaneously  a  new  tempest  from  the 
black-mouthed  Union  guns  flung  out  its  thunderous  response.  The  rebel 
artillery  opened,  and  shell  and  round  shot  came  tearing  across  the  open 
space  back  of  the  bluff.  The  Union  infantry  poured  in  a  glorious  re- 
sponse from  their  broken  battalions,  invigorated  by  the  announcement 
that  the  advance  of  Buell's  army  was  in  sight.  «  Just  then  a  body  of 
cavab'y  appeared  across  the  Tennessee  river,  waiting  transportation. 


BATTLE   OP   PITTSBURG   LANDIXG.  386 

In  their  extremity  the  soldiers  turned  tlieir  eyes  anxiously  that  way. 
Was  i^  Buell — was  it  Nelson  coming  to  the  rescue  ? 

ARRIVAL  OF  GEXERAL  BUELL. 

The  eyes  of  those  weary  soldiers  brighten.  Their  courage  revived. 
Help  was  near.  Even  in  that  lurid  atmosphere  they  could  see  the 
gleaming  of  the  gun-barrels  amid  the  leaves  and  undergrowth  down  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river.  They  caught  hopeful  glimpses  of  the  steady, 
swinging  tramp  of  trained  soldiers.  A  division  of  Buell's  army  was 
coming  up. 

Then  came  a  boat  across  with  a  lieutenant  and  two  or  three  privates 
of  the  Signal  Corps.  Some  orders  were  given  the  officer,  and  as 
instantly  telegraphed  to  the  other  side  by  the  mysterious  wavings  and 
raisings  and  droppings  of  the  flags.  A  steamer  came  up  with  pontoons 
on  board,  with  which  a  bridge  could  be  speedily  thrown  across  the 
river. 

She  quietly  reconnoitered  a  few  moments,  and  steamed  back  again. 
Perhaps,  after  all,  it  was  better  to  have  no  bridge  there.  It  made  escape 
impossible,  and  left  nothing  but  victory  or  death  to  the  struggling 
Union  trt)ops.  Preparations  were  rapidly  made  for  crossing  General 
Nelson's  division,  (for  he  had  the  advance  of  Buell's  army,)  on  the 
dozen  transports  that  had  been  tied  up  along  the  bank. 

The  division  of  W.  H.  L.  Wallace  held  the  enemy  at  bay  in  Ivis  last 
desperate  effort  to  bi^eak  the  Union  lines.  While  forcing  through  a 
cross  fire.  General  Wallace  fell  mortally  wotmded.  Brigadier-General 
McArthur  took  the  command,  but  he  too  was  wounded,  and  Colonel 
Tuttle,  as  senior  in  rank,  rallied  the  shattered  brigades,  lie  was  joined  . 
by  the  Thirteenth  Iowa,  Colonel  Crooker ;  Ninth  Illhiois,  Colonel 
Mersy ;  Twelfth  Illinois,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Chatlain,  and  several  other 
fragments  of  regiments,  and  forming  them  in  line  on  the  road,  held  the 
enemy  in  check  until  that  noble  line  was  formed  that  breasted  that  las| 
desperate  charge. 

At  this  critical  moment  a  long,  loud  shout  from  the  Union  forces 
welcomed  in  the  reinforcements.  Eight  thousand  strong  had  at  length 
crossed  the  river,  and  swept  down  upon  the  battle-field.  Buell 
I  and  Nelson,  by  forced  march es^  made  within  sound  of  the  booming 
thunders  of  artillery,  reached  the  battle-field  just  as  the  fate  of  war 
trembled  in  the  balance.  There  was*  no  pause  for  rest  or  council.  So 
eager  Avere  they  for  the  strife,  they  scarcely  paused  for  breath  before  a 
line  of  battle  was  formed  which  decided  that  stormy 'day's  fight. 

The  men,  weary  from  the  long  march,  and  panting  from  the  speed 
which  had  marked  its  last  stages,  ranged  themselves  in  advance  of  the 
exhausted,  but  unfaltering  troops  of  Sherman,  McClernand,  Ilurlbut 
25 


386  THE    WAR   FOB  Til?:    UNION. 

and  of  W.  11.  L.  Wallace,  Avho  lay  dying  on  the  battle-field,  wliile  Col- 
onel Tattle  led  his  brigades  to  their  noble  work. 

The  gunboats  Tyler,  Lieutenant  Gwinn  commanding,  and  Lexington, 
James  W.  Shirk  commanding,  now^  steamed  up  to  the  mouth  of  the 
little  creek,  near  which  Stuart's  brigade  had  lain  in  the  morning,  and 
where  the  rebels  were  attacking  the  Union  left.  Wlien  they  reached  the 
mouth  of  the  stream  the  boats  rounded  to,  commanding  a  ravine  cut 
through  the  bluflf,  as  if  for  the  passage  of  their  shells,  which  poured  de- 
struction into  the  ranks  of  the  enemy.  This  movement  was  made  under 
the  direction  of  General  Hurlbut,  arid  it  soon  swept  the  enemy's  ranks, 
carrying  terror  with  every  burst  of  deadly  iron  the  guns  belched  forth. 
Eager  to  avenge  the  death  of  their  commanding  General  (now  kno^vn 
to  have  been  killed  a  couple  of  hours  before),  and  to  complete  the  vic- 
tory they  believed  to  be  within  their  grasp,  the  rebels  had  incautiously 
ventured  witliin  reach  of  their  most  dreaded  antagonists,  as  broadside 
after  broadside  of  seven-inch  shells  and  sixty-four-pound  shot  soon 
taught  them.  This  was  a  foe  they  had  hardly  counted  on,  and  the  un- 
expected fire  in  flank  and  rear  produced  a  startling  eflTeet.  The  boats 
fired  admirably,  and  with  a  rapidity  that  was  astonishing.  The  twenty- 
two  land  guns  kept  up  their  stormy  thunder ;  and  thus,  amid»the  crash 
and  roar,  the  scream  of  shells  and  demon  like  hiss  of  minie  balls,  that 
Sabbath  evening  wore  away. 

Startled  by  the  accumulated  force,  and  disheartened  by  the  fearful 
combinations  against  them,  the  rebels  fell  slowly  back,  figliting  as  they 
went,  until  they  reached'an  advantageous  position,  somewhat  in  the 
rear,  yet  occupying  the  main  road  to  Corinth.  The  gimboats  kept 
pouring  a  storm  of  shell  on  their  track,  until  they  retired  completely 
out  of  reach,  and  the  battle  of  the  first  day  ended. 

As  the  sounds  of  battle  died  away,  and  division  generals  drew  oflT 
their  men,  a  council  of  war  was  held,  and  it  was  decided  th.at  as  soon  as 
possible  after  daybreak  the  enemy  should  be  attacked  and  driven  from 
their  snug  quarters  in  the  Union  camps.  Lew.  "Wallace,  who  Avas  com- 
ing in  on  the  new  road  from  Crump's  Landing,  and  crossing  Snake 
Creek  just  above  the  Illinois  Wallace's  (W.  IL  L.)  camps,  was  to  take 
the  right  and  sweep  back  toward  the  position  from  which  Sherman  had 
been  driven  on  Sunday  morning.  Nelson  was  to  take  the  extreme  left. 
Bucll  promised  to  place  Crittenden  next  to  Nelson,  and  McCook  next 
to  him,  by  a  seasonable  hour  in  the  morning.  The  gap  between  IMcCook 
and  Lew.  Wallace  was  to  be  filled  with  the  reorganized  divisions  of 
Grant's  army ;  Hurlbut  coming  next  to  McCook,  then  McClernand,  and 
Sherman  closing  the  gap  between  McClernand  and  Lew.  Wallace. 

From  the  first  fearful  onslaught  upon  Buckland's  brigade,  which, 
gathering  up  its  shattered  regiments,  and  firing  as  they  ran,  to  form  in 


/  BATTLE    OF   PlTrSBURG   LAJfOINQ.  389 

the  hea^'y  \voods,  leaving  winrows  of  slain  on  their  track,  to  the  last 
outburst  qf  shot  and  shell  from  the  gunboats,  the  contest  of  that  day 
had  been  a  fearful  one.  Most  of  tlie  troops  Avhich  received  the  first 
shock  of  battle  -were  raw  recruits,  just  from  the  camp  of  instruction. 
Hundred  and  hundreds  of  them  had  never  seen  a  gun  fired  save  in 
sport  in  their  lives.  With  officers  equally  inexperienced,  admitting 
brilliant  exceptions,  it  is  not  wonderful  that  the  ranks  were  broken  and 
driven  back  when  the  terrific  roar  of  cannon  burst  in  their  midst,  and 
bombshells  scattered  fire  and  death  among  the  tents,  in  which  they  were 
quietly  sleeping  but  an  hour  before.  Springing  to  arms,  half  prepared 
only  to  rush-  through  the  blinding  smoke  to  meet  the  serried  columns 
of  the  rebels'  impetuous  advance — truly  it  is  not  strange  that  they  fell 
into  confusion,  fighting  blindly  and  at  random.  But  it  was  a  grand 
sight  when  Sherman  dashed  along  the  lines,  shouting  encouragement  to 
the  men,  exposing  his  own  life  a  hundred  times,  and  rallying  his  forces 
with  a  wonderful  power  of  voice  and  action.  The  herculean  exertions 
of  this  brave  man  no  doubt  saved  the  division  from  utter  destruction. 

From  the  first  tranquil  opening  of  that  beautiful  day  to  its  lurid  and 
bloody  close  more  desperate  bravery  has  seldom  been  exhibited)  When 
Americans  meet  Americans,  all  that  is  heroic  and  daring  in  the  national 
character  "springs  to  action,  and  deeds  are  done  on  both  sides  that  thrill 
the  nation  as  it  stands  breathlessly  listening,  North  and  South,  to  know 
how  her  sons  have  fought. 

KIGHT   BETrt^EN   TnEi.  T"WO    BATTLES. 

In  dead  silence  the  troops  took  their  new  position,  and  lay  down  on 
their  arms  in  line  of  battle.  All  night  long  the  remainder  of  Buell's 
men  were  marching  up  from  Savannah  to  a  point  opposite  Pittsburg 
Landing,  whence  they  were  brought  over  in  transports.  An  hour  after 
dark  Wallace  came  in  with  his  division.  There  had  been  delay  in  getting 
the  right  road,  which  made  him  late  on  the  field.  But  once  there  he  fell 
to  work  with  energy.  He  ascertained  the  position  of  certain  rebel  bat- 
teries which  lay  in  front  of  him  on  the  riglit,  and  threatened  to  bar  his 
advance  in  the  morning,  and  selected  positions  for  a  couple  of  his  batteries 
from  which  they  could  silence  the  enemy.  In  placing  his  guns  and  ar- 
ranging his  brigades  for  support,  he  was  occupied  till  one  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  His  wearied  men  had  lain  down  to  snatch  a  few  hours  of 
sleep,  Avith  the  shadows  of  death  all  around  them. 

At.  nine  o'clock  all  was  hushed  near  the  landing.  Men  still  panting 
from  the  hot  qontest  of  the  day,  threw  themselves  on  the  earth  to 
sleep  or  die  as  they  chanced  to  be  unhurt  or  wounded  unto  death.  The 
bright  stars  looked  down  upon  the  ranks  of  sleeping,  dying  and  dead 
men,  with  sweet  Sabbath-like  calm,  and  never  did  the  stan  of  heaven 


890  THE   WAR   FOR  THE   UNION. 

brood  over  a  spectacle  more  appalling.  The  sound  of  marching  troops 
from  the  far  distance  alone  broke  the  solemn  stillness,  save  when  the 
moans  of  the  wounded,  and  the  agonizing  cries  for  M-ater  thrilled  the  night 
with  sounds  of  anguish.  Now  a  flash  shed  a  flood  of  sheet-lightning 
over  the  river,  turning  its  waters  to  lurid  fire,  and  the  roar  of  heavy 
naval  guns  reverberated  on  the  bluffs,  breaking  up  the  sublime  silence 
of  the  night.  Again  and  again  the  guns  boomed  great  volumes  of  sound. 
By  the  flashes,  the  gunboats  could  be  seen  receding  back  into  the  fiery 
blue  of  the  waters  with  each  graceful  recoil  produced  by  the  discharge. 
A  thin  veil  of  smoke  settled  around  them,  floating  drowsily  between 
their  black  hulls  and  the  beautiful  stars.  Far  away  in  the  distant  woods 
came  the  muffled  explosion  of  shells  thus  let  loose  on  the  tranquil  air. 

Thus  the  night  wore  on.  The  soldiers,  far  too  Aveary  for  the  boom  of 
cannon  to  awake  them,  slept  quietly  almost  as  the  dead  were  sleeping. 
The  wounded  answered  back  the  dismal  sound  with  more  dismal  groans. 
At  midnight  a  thunder  storm  broke  over  the  battle  field,  and  the  artil- 
lery of  heaven  swept  its  fires  through  the  sky,  while  the  guns  from  the 
river  boomed  a  sullen  answer.  Torrents  of  rain  fell,  drenching  the 
sleepers,  but  falling  cool  as  balm  on  the  parched  lips  of  the  wounded, 
assuaging  their  burning  thirst  and  moistening  their  wounds. 

The  vigilant  officers  knew  that  half  a  mile  off  lay  a  victorious  army, 
commanded  by  splendid  Generals,  rendered  ardent  by  a  half-won  con- 
quest which  might  be  a  victory  on  the  morrow.  For  them  there  was 
little  rest.  When  the  day  broke  it  founcl  these  men  watching.  When 
the  brain  is  active  men  do  not  sleep,  and  the  General  who  has  divisions 
to  command  and  protect  must  earn  success  by  vigilance. 

THE   BATTLE    OX    MONDAY. 

The  line  of  battle  agreed  upon  for  the  Union  forces  on  ^Monday  was 
this  : — Right  wing,  Major-General  Lew.  Wallace  ;  left  wing,  Brigadier- 
General  Nelson.  Between  these,  beginning  at  the  left,  Brigadier-Gen- 
erals T.  Crittenden,  A.  McD.  IMcCook,  Hurlbut,  McClernand  and  W.  T. 
Sherman.  In  the  divisions  of  the  tl^ree  latter  were  to  be  included  also 
the  remains  of  Prentiss'  and  W.  II.  L.  Wallace's  commands — shattered 
and  left  without  commanders,  through  the  capture  of  one,  and  the 
mortal  wound  of  the  other. 

Buell's  three  divisions  were  not  full  when  the  battle  opened  on  Mon- 
day morning,  but  the  lacking  regiments  were  gradually  brought  into 
the  rear.    The  different  divisions  were  composed  of  the  following  forces : 

Brigadier-General  Nelson's  Division. — First  Brigade — Col.  Am- 
mon,  24th  Ohio,  commanding ;  3Cth  Indiana,  Col.  Gross ;  Cth  Ohio, 
Lieut.-Col.  Anderson  ;  24th  Ohio,  Lieut.-Col.  Fred.  :C.  Jones.  Second 
Brigade — Saunders  D.  Bruce,  20th  Kentucky,  commanding;  1st  Ken^ 


BATTLE    OF   PITTSBUnG   LANDING.  391 

tucky,  Col.  Enyard  ;    2d  Kentucky,  Col.  Sedgwick ;  20th  Kentucky, 

Lieut.-Col.  ,  commanding.      Third  Brigade  —  Col.  Hazen,  4l8t 

Ohio,  commanding;  41st  Ohio,  6th  Kentucky  and  9th  Indiana. 

Brigadier-General  T.  Crittenden's  Division. —  First  Brigade — 
Gen.  Boyle;  19th  Ohio,  Col.  Beatty ;  59th  Ohio,  Col.  PfyfFe;  13th  Ken- 
tucky, Col.  Ilobson ;  9th  Kentucky,  Col.  Grider.  Second  Brigade — CoL 
Wm.  S.  Smith,  13th  Ohio,  commanding;  13th  Ohio,  Lieut.-Col.  Haw- 
kins; 2(5th  Kentucky,  Lieut.-Col.  Maxwell;  11th  Kentucky,  Col.  P.  P. 
Hawkins ;  with  Mendenhall's  regular  and  Bartlett's  Ohio  batteries. 

Brigadier-General  McCook's  Division.  —  First  Brigade  —  Brig.- 
Gen.  Lovell  H.  Rousseau;  1st  Ohio,  Col.  Ed.  A.  Parrott;  6th  Indiana, 
Col.  Crittenden ;  3d  Kentucky  (Louisville  Legion) ;  battalions  loth, 
IGth  and  19th  regulars.  Second  Brigade — Brig.-Gen.  Johnston;  32d 
Indiana,  Col.  Willich;  39th  Indiana,  Col.  Harrison;  49th  Ohio,  Col. 
Gibson.  Third  Brigade — Colonel  Kirk,  34th  Illinois,  commanding; 
34th  Illinois,  Lieut.-Col.  Badsworth  ;  29th  Indiana,  Lieut.-Col.  Drum ; 
30th  Indiana,  Col.  Bass;  77th  Pennsylvania,  Col.  Stambaugh. 

Major-General  Lew.  Wallace's  Division — Kight  of  Armt. — 
FirstBrigade — Col.  Morgan  L.  Smith,  commanding  ;  8th  Missouri,  Col. 
Morgan  L.  Smith,  Lieut. -Col.-James  Peckham,  commanding;  11th  Indi- 
ana, Col.  George  F.  McGinnis ;.  24th  Indiana,  Col.  Alvin  P.  Ilovey ; 
Thurber's  Missouri  battery.  Second  Brigade — Col.  Thayer  (1st  Ne- 
braska) commanding;  1st  Nebraska,  Lieut.-Col.  McCord,  commanding; 
23d  Indiana,  Col.  Sanderson ;  58th  Ohio,  Col.  Bausenwein ;  68th  Ohio, 
Col.  Steadinan ;  Thompson's  Indiana  battery.  Third  Brigade — Col. 
Chas.  Whittlesey  (20th  Ohio)  commanding;    20th  Ohio,  Lieut.-Col. 

commanding;  56th  Ohio,  Col.  Peter  Kinney;  76th  Ohio,  Col. 

Chas.  R.  AVoods  ;  78th  Ohio,  Col.  Leggett. 

At  daylight  it  became  evident  that  the  gunboat  bombardment  through 
the  night  had  not  been  without  a  most  important  effect?  It  had  changed 
the  position  of  the  rebel  army.  The  sun  had  gone  down  with  the 
enemy's  lines  encircling  the  Union  forces  closely  on  the  centre  and  left, 
pushing  them  to  the  river,  and  leaving  them  little  over  half  a  mile  of 
all  the  broad  space  they  had  held  in  the  morning.  The  gunboats  had 
cut  the  coils  and  loosened  the  anaconda-like  constriction.  Their  shells 
had  made  the  old  position  on  the  extreme  Union  left,  which  the  rebels 
had  been  occupying,  utterly  untenable.  Instead  of  stealing  upon  their 
foe  in  the  night,  which  was  doubtless  their  intention,  they  were 'com- 
pelled to  fall  back  from  point  to  point  out  of  range  of  the  shells  which 
came  dropping  in  ;.  go  where  they  would  within  range,  the  troublesome 
visitors  would  find  them  out,  and  they  fell  back  beyond  the  inner  Union 
camps,  and  thus  l$>st  more  than  half  the  ground  they  had  gained  the 
afternoon  before. 


892  THE   WAR   FOR  TIIE    UXION, 

Less  easily  accounted  for  Avas  a  movement  of  theirs  on  the  right. 
Here  they  had  held  a  steep  bluff,  covered  with  underbrush,  as  their  ad- 
vanced Une.  Through  the  night  they  abandoned  this,  the  best  jwssiblc 
position  for  opposing  Lew.  Wallace,  and  had  fallen  back  across  some 
open  fields  to  the  scrub  oak  Avoods  beyond. 

To  those  who  had  looked  despairingly  at  the  prospects  on  Sunday 
evening,  it  seemed  unaccountable  that  the  rebels  did  not  open  the  con- 
test by  daybreak.  Their  retreat  before  the  bombshells  of  the  guuboats, 
however,  explained  the  delay.  The  Union  divisions  were  put  in  motion 
almost  simultaneously.  By  seven  o'clock  Lew.  Wallace  opened  the  day 
by  shelling  the  rebel  battery,  of  which  mention  has  been  niade,  from  the 
positions  he  had  selected  the  night  before.  A  brisk  artillery  duel  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  rai)id  movement  of  infantry  across  a  shallow  ravine,  as  if  to 
storm ;  and  the  rebels,  enfiladed  and  menaced  in  front,  limbered  up  and 
made  the  opening  of  their  Monday's  retreating. 

nelson's  advance. 

Nelson,  who  was  assigned  the  left  wing,  moved  his  division  about  the 
same  time  Wallace  opened  on  the  rebel  battery,  forming  in  line  of  bat- 
tle, Amnion's  brigade  on  the  extreme  left,  Bruce's  in  the  centre,  and 
Ila/.en's  to  the  right.  Skirmishers  were  thrown  out,  and  for  nearly  a 
mile  the  division  thus  swept  the  country,  pushing  a  few  outlying  rebels 
before  it,  till  it  came  upon  them  in  force.  Then  a  general  engagement 
broke  out  along  the  line,  and  again  the  rattle  of  musketry  and  thunder 
of  artillery  echoed  over  the  late  silent  fields.  There  Avas  no  straggling 
this  morning..  These  men  Avere  Avell  drilled,  and  strict  measures  wero 
taken  to  i)revent-  miscellaneous  thronging  back  out  of  harm's  Avay. 
They  stood  up  to  their  Avork  and  did  their  duty  manfully. 

It  soon  became  evident  that,  Avhelher  from  change  of  cominanders  or 
some  other  cauie,  the  rebels  Avere  pursuing  a  new  policy  in  massing 
their  forces.  On  Sunday  the  heaviest  fighting  had  been  done  on  the 
left.  In  the  morning  they  seemed  to  make  a  less  determined  resistance 
here,  Avhile.toward  the  centre  and  r^ght  the  ground  Avas  more  obstinately 
contested,  and  the  struggle  fiercely  prolonged. 

Until  half-past  ten  o'clock  Nelson  advanced  slowly  but  steadily, 
SAveeping  his  long  lines  over  the  ground  of  defeat  on  Sunday  morning, 
moving  over  scores  of  dead  rebels,  and  resistlessly  pressing  back  the 
jaded  and  Avearied  enemy.  The  rebels  had  received  but  few  reinforce- 
ments during  the  night.  Their  men  Avere  exhausted  Avith  the  desperate 
contest  of  the  day  before,  and  manifestly  dispirited  by  the  fact  that  they 
were  fighting  Grant  and  Buell  combined. 

Gradually,  as  Nelson  pushed  forward  his  lines  under  heavy  musketry, 
the  enemy  fell  back,  till  about  half-past  ten,  Avhen,  imder  cover  of  the 


BATTLE    OF   I'lTTSBURG   LAXDING.  393 

heavy  timber  and  a  furious  cannonading,  they  made  a  general  rally.  The 
Union  forces,  flushed  with  their  easy  success,  were  scarcely  prepared 
for  the  sudden  onset,  M  hen  the  rebel  masses  were  hurled  against  them 
with  tremendous  force.  The  men  halted,  wavered,  and  were  driven  back. 
At  this  critical  juncture  Captain  Terry's  regular  battery  came  dashing  up. 
,  Scarcely  taking  time  to  unlimber,  he  was  loading  and  sighting  his  pieces 
before  the  caissons  had  turned,  and  in  an  instant  was  tossing  in  shell 
from  twenty-four-pound  howitzers  in  to  the  compact  and  advancing 
rebel  ranks. 

Here  was  the  turning  point  of  the  battle  on  the  left.  The  rebels  were 
checked,  not  halted.  Ou  they  came.  Horse  a''*^er  horse  from  the  bat- 
teries was  picked  oflf.  Every  private  at  one  of  the  howit^zers  was  shot 
down,  and  the  gun  was  worked  by  Captain  Terry  himself  and  a  corporal. 
A  regiment  dashed  up  from  the  Union  line,  and  saved  the  disabled 
piece.  Then  for  two  hours  artillery  and  musketry  raged  at  close  range. 
At  last  the  enemy  began  to  waver.  The  Federals  pressed  on,  pouring 
in  deadly  volleys.  Just  then  Buell,  who  ai-sumed  the  general  direction 
of  his  troops  in  the  field,  came  up.  At  a  glance  he  saw  the  position  of 
things,  and  gave  a  prompt  order.  "Forward  at  double  quick  by  bri- 
gades." The  men  leaped  forward  with  the  eagerness  of  unleashed 
hounds.  For  a  quarter  of  a  mile  the  rebels  fell  back.  Faster  and 
faster  they  rtm ;  less  and  less  resistance  was  made  to  the  advance.  At 
last  the  front  camps  on  the  left  were  reached,  and  by^'half-past  two 
that  point  Avas  cleared.  The  rebels  had  been  steadily  swept  back 
over  the  ground  they  had  won,  with  heavy  loss,  and  fell  into  confusion. 
The  Unionists  had  retaken  all  their  own  guns  lost  here  the  day  before, 
and  one  or  two  from  the  rebels  were  left  to  attest  how  bravely  that 
great  victory  in  Tennessee  was  won. 

ADVAXCK   OF    CEITTEXDEN's    DIVISION. 

N"ext  to  Nelson  came  Crittenden.  He,  too,  swept  forward  over  his 
ground  to  the  front  some  distance  before  finding  the  foe.  Between 
eight  and  nine  o'clock,  however,  while  keeping  Smith's  brigade  on  his 
left  even  with  Nelson's  flank,  and  joining  Boyle's  brigade  to  McCook 
on  the  right,  in  the  grijnd  advance,  he  came  upon  the  enemy  with  a 
battery  in  ])osition,  and,, well  supported.  Smith  dashed  his  brigade  for- 
ward. There  was  sharp,  close  work  with  musketry,  and  the  rebels  fled. 
He  took  three  pieces — a  twelve-pound  howitzer  and  two  brass  six- 
pounders.  But  they  cost  the  gallant  Thirteenth  Ohio  dear.  Major 
Ben.  Piatt  Iluukle  fell,  mortally  wounded. 

For  half  an  hour,  perhaps,  the  storm  raged  around  these  captured 
guns.  Then  came  the  reuoiling  rebel  wave  that  had  hurled  Nelson  back. 
Crittend;3n,  too,  caught  its  full  force.     The  rebels  swept  up  to  the  bat 


394  THE   WAR  FOE  THE   UNION. 

teries — around  them,  and  down  after  the  retreating  Union  cohimn.  But 
the  two  brigades,  like  those  of  Nelson's  to  their  left,  took  a  fresh  posi- 
tion, fjiced  the  foe,  and  held  their  ground.  Mendenhall's  and  B&rtlett's 
batteries  now  began  shelling  the  infantry  that  alone  opposed  them.  Be- 
fore abandoning  the  guns  so  briefly  held,  they  had  spiked  them  with 
mud,  and  this  novel  expedient  was  perfectly  successful.  From  that  time 
till  after  one  o'clock,  while  the  fight  raged  back  and  forth  over  the  same 
ground,  the  rebels  did  not  succeed  in  firing  a  sliot  from  their  mud-S2)iked 
artillery. 

At  last  the  Union  brigades  began  to  gain  the  advantage.  Crittenden 
drove  the  enemy  steadily  forward.  Captain  Mendenhall,  with  First- 
Lieutenant  Parsons,  a  Western  Reserve  West  Pointer,  with  Bartlctt, 
poured  in  their  shell.  \  rush  for  the  contested  battery,  and  it  was 
taken  again.  The  rebels  retreated  towards  the  left.  Smith  and  Boyle 
holding  the  infantry  well  in  hand,  Mendenhall  again  got  their  range  and 
poured  in  shell  on  the  new  position.  The  fortune  of  the  day  was  against 
them,  as  against  their  comrades  in  Nelson's  front,  and  they  were  soon  in 
full  retreat. 

Just  then  Brigadier-General  Thomas  3 .  Woods'  advance  brigade  from 
his  approaching  division  came  up.  It  was  too  late  for  the  fight,  but  it 
relieved  Crittenden's  weary  fellows,  and  pushed  on  after  tlie  rebels  imtil 
they  were  found  to  have  left  the  most  advanced  Union  camps. 

m'cook's  advance. 

Thus  the  left  was  saved.  Meanwhile  McCook,  with  his  magnificent 
regiments,  was  doing  equally  well  toward  the  centre.  His  division  -sVas 
handled  in  a  way  to  save  great  effusion  of  blood,  while  equally  important 
results  were  attained.  Tlie  reserves  Avere  kept  as  much  as  possible  from 
under  fire,  while  the  troops  in  front  were  engaged.  Thus  tlie  lists  of 
killed  and  wounded  will  show  that  while  as  heavy  fighting  was  done 
here  as  any  where  on  the  right  or  centre,  the  casualties  were  remarkably 
few. 

An  Illinois  battery,  serving  in  the  division,  was  in  imminent  danger. 
The  Sixth  Indiana  was  ordered  to  its  relief.  A  rapid  rush,  close  mus- 
ketry firing — no  need  of  bayonets  here — the  battery  was  safe.  The 
enemy  wci'e  to  the  front  and  right.  Advancing  and  firing  the  Sixth 
pushed  on.  The  rebel  colors  dropped.  Another  volley ;  yet  once  more 
the  fated  colors  fell.  Was  there  fatality  in  this  ?  The  rebels  seemed  to 
think  so,  for  they  wheeled  and  disappeared. 

Rousseau's  brigade  was  drawn  off  in  splendid  style.  The  rebel  Gen- 
eral saw  the  brigade  filing  back,  and  pushed  his  forces  onward  again. 
Kirk's  brigade  advanced  to  meet  him,  coming  out  of  the  woods  into  an 
open  field.     It  was  met  by  a  tremendous  fire,  which  tbi-ew  a  battahon 


BATTLE  OP  PITTSBURG   LANDING.  396 

of  regulars  in  its  front  into  some  confnsion.  They  retired  to  reform, 
and  meanwhile  down  dropped  the  brigade  on  the  ground.  As  the 
front  was  cleared  the  men  sprang  up  and  charged  across  the  open  field, 
straight  to  the  woods,  under  cover,  driving  the  enemy  back  with 
their  impetuous  advance.  He  rallied  promptly.  Fierce  musketry 
firing  swept  the  Avoods.  They  advanced  thirty  rods,  perhaps,  when  the 
Twenty-ninth  Indiana  got  into  a  marsh  and  fell  partially  to  the  rear. 
Heavier  came  the  leaden  hail.  The  Twenty-ninth  and  Thirtieth  both 
fell  back  fifteen  or  twenty  rods ;  they  rallied  and  advanced  again.  They 
were  repulsed,  started  impetuously  forward,  and  this  time  came  in  on 
the  vulnerable  points.  Colonel  Waggoner's  Fifteenth  Indiana  come  up 
to  the  support  and  the  enemy  disappeared.  Fresh  troops  took  their 
places,  and  for  them  the  fight  ended. 

Beginning  at  the  left  the  waves  of  success  swept  forward  from  point 
to  point  over  the  Jost  fields  of  Sunday.  Paeans  of  victory,  and  the  wild 
cheers  of  successful  soldiers  sounded  the  requiem  of  the  fallen  rebels, 
who  had  atoned  for  their  treason  by  the  brave  man's  death.  Nelson, 
Crittenden,  McCook,  Hurlbut,  McClemand,  led  their  divisions  bravely 
through  the  fray.  The  contest  lasted  longer  on  the  right,  and  was  even 
more  fiercely  contested. 

LEW.  Wallace's  movements. 

When  Major-General  Xew.  Wallace  opened  the  battle  at  seven  o'clock 
by  shelling  with  enfilading  fires  a  rebel  battery,  a  few  shots  demon- 
strated to  the  rebels  that  their  position  was  untenable.  The  instant 
Sherman  came  in  to  protect  his  left,  Wallace  advanced  his  infantry. 
The  rebel  battery  at  once  limbered  up  and  got  out  of  the  way.  The 
advance  had  withdrawn  the  division  from  Sherman,  making  a  left  half 
wheel,  to  get  back  into  the  neighborhood  of  the  Federal  line ;  they  ad- 
vanced some  two  hundfed  yards,  which  brought  them  to  a  little  eleva- 
tion, with  a  broad  open  stretch  to  the  front.  As  the  division  halted  on 
the  crest  of  the  swell,  through  the  edge  of  the  timber,  skii'ting  the 
fields,  the  head  of  a  rebel  column  appeared,  marching  past  in  splendid 
style  on  the  double-quick.  Banner  after  banner  flashed  out  through 
the  foliage ;  the  "  Stars  and  Bars  "  forming  a  long  line,  stretching  paral- 
lel with  Wallace's  line  of  battle.  Regiment  after  regiment  swept 
forward,  the  line  lengthened,  and  doubled  and  trebled ;  the  head  of  the 
column  was  out  of  sight  and  still  they  came.  Twenty  regiments  were 
counted  passing  through  the  woods.  Their  design  was  plain.  The 
rebels  had  abandoned  the  idea  of  forcing  their  way  through  the  Union 
left,  and  the  manifest  attempt  was  to  tura  the  right. 

Thompson's  and  Thurber's  batteries  were  now  ordered  up,  and  the 
whole  column  was  shelled  as  it  passed.  The  rebels  threw  their  artillery  in- 


396  TiiK  ■\VAn  ron  niE  uxiox. 

to  position  rapidly,  and  a  brisk  cannonading  began.  After  a  time, 
while  the  fif^ht  still  rested  with  tlie  artillery,  the  rebels  opened  a  new 
and  destruciive  battery  to  the  right,  which  the  Union  men  soon  ascer- 
tained was  "  Watson's  Louisiana  battery,"  from  the  marks  on  the 
ammiuiition  boxes  the  enemy  were  forced  from  time  to  time  to  leave 
behind. 

Batteries,  with  a  brigade  of  supporting  infantry,  were  now  moved 
forward  over  open  fields,  under  heavy  fire,  to  contend  against  this  new 
assailant.  The  batteries  opened,  the  sharpshooters  were  thrown  out  to 
the  front  to  j)ick  off  the  rebel  artillerists,  and  the  biigade  was  ordered 
down  on  its  face  to  protect  it  from  the  flying  shell  and  grape.  For  an 
hour  and  a  half  the  contest  lasted,  while  the  body  of  the  division  was 
Btill  delayed,  waituig  for  Sherman.  * 

Sherman's  division. 

Sherman  had  received  orders  from  Grant  to  advance  and  recapture 
his  camps.  His  division  was  composed  of  odds  and  ends,  as  it  came 
out  of  the  conflict  on  Sunday  evening. 

His  command  was  of  a  mixed  character.  Buckland's-brigade  was  the 
only  one  that  retained  its  organization.  Colonel  Hildebrand  was  person- 
ally there,  but  his  brigade  was  not.  Colonel  McDowell  had  been  severely 
injured  by  a  fall  of  his  horse,  had  gone  to  the  river,  and  the  regiments  of 
his  brigade  were  not  in  line.  The  Thirteenth  Missouri,  Colonel  Crafts 
J.  Wright,  had  reported  itself  on  the  field,  and  fought  well,  retaining 
its  regimental  organization,  and  it  formed  a  part  of  Sh«jrman's  line  dur- 
ing Sunday  night  and  all  Monday.  Other  fragments  of  regiments  and 
companies  had  also  fallen  into  his  division,  and  acted  with  it  during  the 
remainder  of  the  battle. 

This  was  not  a  very  promising  host  with  which  to  "  advance  and  recap- 
ture his  camps."  Sherman,  full  of  ardor,  moved  forward  and  reoccupied 
the  ground  on  the  extreme  right  of  General  McClernand's  camp,  where 
he  attracted  the  fire  of  a  battery  located  near  Colonel  McDowell's  head- 
quarters. Here  he  remained,  patiently  awaiting  the  sound  of  General 
Buell's  advance  upon  the  main  Corinth  road.  It  was  this  independent 
action  of  Sherman  which  caused  W^allace  to  halt — he  evidently  not 
understanding  that  General's  design. 

By  ten  o'clock  Sherman's  right,  under  Colonel  Marsh,  came  up.  He 
started  to  move  across  the  field,  but  the  storm  of  musketry  and  grape 
was  too  much  for  him,  and  he  fell  back  in  good  order.  Again  he  started 
on  the  double-quick  and  gained  the  woods.  The  Louisiana  battery  was 
turned  ;  JIarsh's  position  left  it  subject  to  fire  in  flank  and  in  front,  and 
it  then  fled.  The  other  rfbel  batteries  at  once  followed,  and  W^allace's 
division,  in  an  instant,  now  that  a  master  move  had  swept  the  board, 


BATIXE   OF   PITTSBURG   LANDING.  391 

pushed  forward.  Before  them  were  broad  fallow  fields,  then  a  woody 
little  ravine,  succeeded  by  corn-fields  and  woods. 

The  left  brigade  was  sent  forward.  It  crossed  the  fallow  fields,  under 
fire,  gained  the  ravine,  and  was  rushing  across  the  corn-lields,  when  the 
same  Louisiana  steel  rifled  guns  opened  on  them.  Dashing  forward 
they  reached  a  little  ground  swell,  behind  which  they  dropped  like  dead 
men,  while  skirmishers  were  sent  forward  to  silence  the  troublesome 
battery.  The  skirmishers  crept  forward  till  they  gained  a  Uttle  knoll,  not 
more  than  seventy-five  yards  from  the  battery.  Of  course  the  guns 
opened  on  them.  They  replied  to  some  purpose.  In  a  few  minutes  the 
battery  was  driven  oft",  the  artillerists  killed,  the  horses  shot  down,  and 
badly  crippled  every  way.  But  the  affair  cost  the  Union  cause  a  brave 
man — Lieutenant-Colonel  Garber,  who  could  not  control  his  enthusiasm 
at  the  conduct  of  the  skirmishers,  and  in  his  excitement  incautiously  ex- 
posed himself.  All  this  time  rebel  regiments  were  pouring  on  to  attack 
the  audacious  brigade  that  was  supporting  the  6kirmishers,'»but  fresh 
regiments  from  "Wallace's  division  came  up  in  time  to  defeat  their 
purpose. 

The  battery  was  silenced.  "  Forward  "  was  the  division  order.  Rush- 
ing across  the  corn-fields  imder  a  heavy  fire,  they  now  met  the  rebels 
face  to  face  in  the  woods.  The  contest  was  quick  and  decisive.  Closg, 
sharp,  continuous  musketry  drove  the  rebels  back. 

Here  unfortunately  Sherman's  right  gave  way.  "Wallace's  flank  was 
exposed.  He  instantly  formed  Colonel  "Wood's  Seventy-sixth  Ohio 
in  a  new  line  of  battle,  in  right  angles  with  the  real  one,  with  orders  to 
protect  the  fl;ink.  The  Eleventh  Indiana  was  likewise  contesting  a  sharp 
engagement  with  the  enemy,  who  made  a  desperate  attempt  to  flank 
it,  and  for  a  time  the*  contest  waxed,  furious.  But  Sherman  soon 
filled  the  place  of  his  broken  regiments.  "Wallace's  division  came  for- 
ward, and  again  the  enemy  gave  way. 

By  two  o'clock  the  division  was  in  the  woods  again,  and  for  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  it  advanced  under  a  murderous  storm  of  shot.'  Then 
another  contest,  and  another  with  the  batteries,  always  met  with  skir- 
mishers and  sharpshooting — then  by  four  o'clock,  two  hours  later  than 
on  the  right,  a  general  rebel  retreat — a  sharp  pursuit — from  which  the 
triumphant  Union  soldiers  were  recalled  to  encamp  on  the  old  ground 
of  Sherman's  division,  in  the  very  tents  from  which  those  regiments  were 
driven  that  hapless  Sunday  morning. 

With  great  thanksgiving  and  shouts  of  triumph  the  Union  army  took 
possession  of  the  camps.  They  had  repulsed  the  enemy  in  one  of  the 
most  hardly  contested  battles  of  the  war,  under  many  disadvantages,  and 
with  a  heroism  that  fills  a  glorious  page  in  the  history  of  nations.  The 
enemy  was  near,  yet  retreating — his  columns  broken  and  altogether  de- 


898  THB   WAR   FOB  THE   UNIOX.  , 

featcd.  His  cavalry  still  hovered  within  half  a  mile  of  the  camps,  but 
it  was  allowed  to  depart,  and  the  battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing,  written 
by  more  than  a  hundred  thousand  bayonets,  was  at  an  end. 

AFTER   TUE    BATTLE. 

The  sight  of  that  battle  field  was  horrible.  The  first  approaches, 
occupying  the  further  range  of  the  enemy's  guns,  bore  fearful  witness 
of  the  wild  devastation  made  by  the  ball  and  shell  which  had  over-shot 
the  mark.  Large  trees  were  entirely  splintered  off  within  ten  feet  of 
the  ground ;  heavy  branches  lay  in  every  direction,  and  pieces  of  ex- 
ploded missiles  were  scattered  over  the  forest  sward.  The  carcasses 
of  horses  and  the  wrecks  of  wagons  strewed  all  the  woods  and  marked 
every  step  of  the  way. 

Half  a  mile  further  on,  and  the  most  terrible  results  of  the  struggle 
were  brought  to  view.  Lifeless  bodies  lay  thickly  in  the  w<Jods ;  tho 
dead  and  dying  lay  close  together  in  the  fields,  some  in  heaps  on  their 
backs,  some  with  clenched  hands  half  raised  in  air — others  with  their 
guns  held  in  a  fixed  grip,  as  if  in  the  act  of  loading  when  the  fatal  shaft 
struck  them  dead.  Others  still  had  crawled  away  from  further  danger, 
and,  sheltering  themselves  behind  old  logs,  had  sunk  into  an  eternal 
sleep.  Here  were  the  bodies  of  men  who  had  fallen  the  day  before, 
mingled  with  those  from  whose  wounds  the  blood  Avas  yet  warmly 
trickling.  , 

Around  the  open  space  known  as  "The  battalion  drill  ground," 
the  scene  was  still  more  appalling.  This  spot  had  been  desperately 
contested  on  both  sides;  but  the  dead  on  the  rebel  side  were  four  to 
one  compared  to  the  Union  losses.  It  was  horrible  to  see  in  what  wild 
attitudes  they  had  fallen.  Here  a  poor  creature  appeared  in  a  sitting 
posture,  propped  up  by  logs,  on  which  the  green  moss  had  been 
drenched  with  blood,  and  with  his  hands  rigidly  locked  over  his  knees, 
sat  still  as  marble,  with  his  ashen  face  drooping  on  his  breast.  One 
poor  wretch  had  crept  away  to  the  woods,  and  ensconcing  himself 
between  two  logs,  spread  his  blftnket  above  him  as  a  shield  from  the 
rain  of  the  previous  night.  He  was  a  wounded  rebel,  and  asked  piti- 
fully of  those  who  searched  among  the  dead  if  nothing  could  be  done 
for  him. 

In  the  track  of  the  larger  guns  terrible  havoc  had  been  made,^nd 
scenes  of  revolting  piutilation  presented  themselves.  The  field  of  battle 
extended  over  a  distance  of  five  miles  in  length,  and  three-quarters  of 
a  mile  in  width.  This  space  was  fought  over  twice  in  regular  battle 
array,  and  many  times  in  the  charges  and  retreats  of  the  different 
divisions  of  the  two  armies.  Every  tree  and  sapling  in  that  whole 
space  was  pierced  through  and  through  with  cannon-shot  and  musk^ 


BATTLE    OF    I'lTTSlUTRO    LANDING.  399 

balls,  and  it,  is  reported  that  theie  was  scarcely  a  rod  of  ground  on  the 
five  miles  mIucIi  did  not  have  a  dead  or  wounded  man  upon  it. 

On  Sunday,  especially,  several  portions  of  the  ground  were  fought 
over  three  and-fouc  times,  and  the  two  lines  swayed  backward  and  for- 
ward like  advancing  and  retreating  waves.  In  repeated  instances, 
rebel  and  Union  soldiers,  protected  by  the  trees,  were  within  thirty 
feet  of  each  other.  Many  of  the  camps,  as  they  were  lost  and  re- 
taken, received  showers  of  balls.  At  the  close  of  the  fight,  General 
McClernand's  tent  contained  twenty-seven  bullet-holes,  and  his  Adju- 
tant's thirty-two.  In  the  Adjutant's  tent,  Avhen  the  Union  forces  re- 
captured it,  the  body  of  a  rebel  Avas  found  in  a  sitting  position.  He 
dad  evidently  stopped  for  a  moment's  rest,  when  a  ball  struck  and 
killed  him.  .  A  tree,  not  more  than  eighteen  inches  in  diameter,  which 
was  in  front  of  General  Lew.  Wallace's  division,  bore  the  marks  of 
more  than  ninety  balls  within,  ten  feet  of  the  ground. 

THE   AKTILLEEY   AND   REGIMENTS   ENGAGED. 

A  record  of  the  dead,  Avounded  and  missing  in  that  fearful  battle, 
bears  sure  evidence  of  the  almost  superhuman  bravery  with  which  it 
was  contested. 

The  Illinois  men,  already  famous  at  Donelson,  fought  like  tigers  to 
sustain  their  Avell-earned  reputation.  Missouri,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Wiscon- 
sin, and  some  of  the  Iowa  regiments,  won  imperishable  laurels.  The 
First  and  Second  Kentucky  were  glorioiisly  brave  in  the  fight.  They, 
as  well  as  the  Sixth,  were  under  fire  more  than  five  hours,  yet  when  the 
enemy  turned  their  faces  toward  Mississippi,  they  were  ready  and  eager 
to  follow.  The  Ohio  Fifty-fourth,  Zouave  regiment,  were  at  their  post 
in  the  thickest  of  the  fight.  Also  the  Fifty-seventh,  who  remembered 
well  that  Ohio  expected  her  buckeye  sons  to  do  their  duty. 

Taylor's  and  Waterhouse's  batteries  were  first  in  the  fight.  Two  regi- 
ments that  should  have  supported  the  last  broke  and  ran.  Waterhouse 
was  wounded  in  the  thigh  by  a  minie  ball.  Taylor's  battery  continued 
to  fight,  supported  splendidly  by  the  Twenty-third  Illinois,  until  he  and 
his  support  were  outflanked  on  both  sides. 

Waterhouse,  with  his  three  guns,  took  up  a  second  position,  supported 
by  the  second  brigade  of  McClernand's  division.  Colonel  Marsli  com- 
manding. During  the  forenoon  they  Avere  compelled  to  retire  through 
their  own  encampment,  with  heavy  loss,  into  the  woods.  There  a  sec- 
ond line  of  battle  was  formed,  when  ]\IcClernand  ordered  an  advance. 
A  hundred  rods  brought  the  solid  columns  within  sight  of  the  rebels, 
and  then  followed  one  of  the  most  fiercely  contested  and  sanguinary,  en- 
gagements of  that  desperate  field.  It  resulted  in  the  repulse  of  the 
rebels,  who  were  driven  back  through  the  Union  encampments.    Then 


400  THE   WAR   FOn   THE    UNION. 

the  enemy  was  reinforced,  and  Colonel  Marsh,  finding  his  ammunition 
nearly  expended,  was  compelled  to  retreat  before  the  overwhelming 
forces  of  the  enemy. 

On  Monday  a  fine  Michigan  battery,  captured  by  the  enemy  the  day 
before,  was  retaken  by  the  Sixteenth  Wisconsin,  at  the  point  of  the 
bayonet.  The  fight,  after  taking  this  battery,  was  conducted  by  Gen- 
eral Beauregard  in  person.  In  his  efforts  to  recover  it  he  was  wounded 
in  the  arm.  He  was  successful  in  taking  it,  but  it  was  again  Avrested 
from  him.  This  battery  was  retaken  and  recaptured  no  less  than  six 
times. 

Company  A  of  the  Chicago  Light  Artillery,  so  severely  handled  on 
the  first  day,  was  only  able  to  man  three  guns  on  Monday ;  but  with 
these,  after  a  desperate  contest,  they  succeeded  in  silencing  and  captur- 
ing a  rebel  battery  of  six  guns.  They  Avere,  however,  compelled  to 
abandon  it  from  want  of  horses. 

The  report  of  General  Lew.  Wallace  especially  commended  the  Ne- 
braska First,  the  Twentieth,  Fifty-eighth,  Seventy-sixth  and  Seventy- 
eighth  Ohio,  and  the  Twenty-tliird  Indiana.  The  Indiana  Twenty-fifth 
literally  covered  itself  with  glory.  The  Indiana  Sixth,  Ninth,  Eleventh, 
Thirty-first,  Thirty-second,  Twenty-fourth,  Forty-third  and  Fifty-seventh 
all  performed  most  honorable  parts  in  the  terrible  drama. 

Of  the  United  States  regulars,  there  was  a  fine  representation.  They 
were  used  at  those  points  where  the  utmost  steadiness  was  demanded, 
and  fought  with  consummate  skill  and  determination. 

The  losses  of  the  IlUnois  regiments  in  McClernand's  division  were 
very  heavy,  in  oflUcers  and  men.  On  Sunday,  company  A,  of  the  Forty- 
ninth  Illinois,  lost  from  one  volley  twenty-nine  men,  including  three  offi- 
cers ;  and  on  Monday  morning  the  company  appeared  on  the  gromid 
commanded  by  a  second  sergeant.  General  McClernand's  third  brigade, 
■vthich  was  led  by  Colonel  Raith  until  he  was  mortally  wounded,  changed 
commanders  three  times  during  the  battle.  On  Monday  morning,  one 
of  General  Hurlbut's  regiments  (the  Third  Iowa)  was  commanded  by  a 
first  lieutenant. 

General  Grant  is  an  illustration  of  the  fortune  through  which  some 
men,  in  the  thickest  showers  of  bullets,  always  escape.  He  has  ])artici- 
pated  in  skirmishes  and  fourteen  pitched  battles,  and  is  universally  pro- 
nounced, by  those  who  have  seen  him  on  the  field,  daring  even  to  lash- 
ness ;  but  he  has  never  received  a  scratch.  At  four  o'clock  on  Sunday 
evening,  he  was  sitting  upon  his  horse,  just  in  the  rear  of  the  Union 
line  of  batteries,  when- Carson,  the  scout,  who  had  reported  to  him  a 
moment  before,  had  fallen  back,  and  was  holding  his  horse  by  the  bridle, 
about  seven  feet  behind  him.  A  six-pound  shot,  which  flew  very  near 
General  Grant,  carried  away  Carson's  head,  passed  just  behind  Lieu- 


BATTLE    OF   PITTSBURG   LANDING.  401 

« 

tenant  Graves,  volunteer  aid  to  General  Wilson,  tearing  away  the  cantle 

of  his  saddle  and  catting  his  clothing,  but  leaving  him  uninjured.    It  then 
took  off  the  legs  of  a  soldier  in  one  of  General  Nelson's  regiments,  whicl 
■was  just  ascending  the  bluff. 

About  the  same  hour,  further  up  to  the  right.  General  Sherman 
who  had  been  standing  for  a  moment,  while  Major  Hammond,  his  chiet 
of  staff,  was  holding  his  bridle,  remounted.  By  the  prancing  of  hi; 
horse,  General  Sherman's  reins  were  tin-own  over  his  neck,  and  he  was 
leaning  forward  in  the  saddle,  with  his  head  lowered,  while  Major  Ham- 
mond was  bringing  them  back  over  his  head,  when  a  rifle-ball  struck 
the  line  in  Major  Hammond's  hand,  severing  it  within  two  inches  of 
his  fingers,  and  passed  through  the  top  and  back  of  General  Sherman's 
haf.  Had  he  been  sitting  upright  it  would  have  struck  his  head.  At 
another  time  a  ball  struck  General  Sherman  on  the  shoulder,  but  his 
metallic  shoulder-strap  warded  it  off.  With  a  third  ball  he  was  less  for- 
tunate, for  it  passed  through  his  hand.  General  Sherman  had  three 
horses  shot  under  him,  and  ranks  high  among  the  heroes  of  that  nobly 
won  battle. 

General  Hurlbut  had  a  six-pound  shot  pass  between  his  horse's  head 
and  his  arm ;  a  bullet  hurtled  through  the  animal's  mane,  and  one  of  his 
horses  was  killed  under  him. 

The  statement  has  gone  forth  that  General  Prentiss  was  made  pris- 
oner at  the  first  early  onslaught  of  the  enemy,  when  his  division  was 
driven  in  upon  Sherman's  lines.  But  this  is  an  error.  Prentiss'  men 
fought  well  even  in  retiring.  They  retired  to  re-form,  and  pursued  the 
conflict  up  to  late  in  the  afternoon,  under  Prentiss'  personal  lead.  They 
maintained  a  stand  on  McClernand's  left  and  Hurlbut's  right.  In  the 
thick  underbrush  where  they  made  their  last  stand,  almost  every  shrub 
and  bush  was  struck  by  bullets;  no  spot  on  the  entire  field  evir 
denced  more  desperate  fighting.  The  last  time  General  Prentiss  met 
General  Hurlbut,  he  asked  him :  "  Can  you  hold  your  line  ?  "  General 
Hurlbut  replied,  "  I  think  I  can."  Not  long  after  he  sent  a  messenger 
to  General  Prentiss,  to  inform  him  that  he  was  forced  back,  but  the  man 
was  probably  killed,  as  he  never  returned  or  delivered  the  message. 
About  the  same  time,  jMcClernand  was  forced  back  on  his  right,  and 
Prentiss,  without  knowing  that  his  supports  on  each  side  were  gone, 
held  his  line.  The  enemy,  both  on  his  riglit  and  left,  was  half  a  mile  in 
his  rear  before  he  discovered  it,  and  his  capture  was  inevitable. 

Of  General  Buell's  conduct  in  battle,  one  of  his  men  wrote,  "  I  wish 
you  could  have  seen  the  gallantry,  the  bravery,  the  dauntless  daring,  the 
coolness  of  General  Buell.  He  seemed  to  be  omnipresent.  If  ever  man 
was  qualified  to  command  an  army,  it  is  he.  He  is  a  great,  a  very  great 
General,  and  has  proved  himself  so ;  not  only  in  organizing  and  disci- 
26 


402  THE   WAn   FOR   THE   XTSIOTH. 

plining  an  army,  but  in  handling  it.    He  had  his  horso  shot  under 
him." 

LOSSES. 

The  oJEcial  reports  of  losses  are  given  in  the  following  tabular  state- 
ment: 

grant's  AKirr. 


I»rVT8tOTT8. 

1 — General  MeClernnnd 

2— General  W.  IL  L.  Wallace, 

8 — General  Lew.  Wallace, 

4— General  Ilurlbut, 

6 — General  Sherman, 

>)6 — General  Prentiss, 

KILLKD. 
251 

228 
43 
813 
818 
196 

WOUNDED. 

1,361 
1,038 

257 
1,449 
1,275 

662  . 

236 

1,163 

6 

228 

441 

1,802 

TOTAU 

1,848 
2,424 
805 
1,985 
2,034 
2,760 

Total 

1,349 

bueul's 

6,927 

ARST. 

3,870 

11,356 

2 — General  McCook, 
4 — General  Nelson, 
5 — General  Crittenden, 

95 

90 
80 

793 
691 
410 

8 

68 
27 

896 
739 

617 

Total, 

265 

1,794 

93 

2,162 

Grand  Total, 

1,614 

7,721 

3,963 

18,508 

Tlie  official  report  of  General  Beauregard  states  the  rebel  loss  to  be 
1,728  killed,  8,012  wounded,  and  959  missing;  which  is  far  below  the 
estimated  losses  of  the  enemy  given  by  the  Federal  officers,  who  buried 
the  dead  on  the  field. 

Bravely  was  that  battle  contested  on  both  sides.  We  have  described 
the  wa^  in  which  the  Federal  Generals  fought  and  won  a  victory.  But 
the  South  was  gallantly  represented — so  gallantly,  that  a  victory  over 
such  men  was  worth  a  double  conquest  over  a  meaner  foe. 

Beauregard  seemed  omnipresent  along  his  lines  throughout  that  me- 
morable day,  striving  by  expostulation,  entreaties,  command,  exposure 
of  his  own  person,  to  stem  the  tide  of  defeat ;  but  it  was  in  vain.  The 
steady  flank  advances  of  the  Federal  wings — the  solidity  of  their  centre, 
rendered  it  necessary  to  "  retreat,"  if  he  would  not  be  cut  off  enth-ely. 
His  baffled  and  somewhat  dispirited  brigades  fell  back  slowly  upon  the 
Corinth  road,  which,  in  all  the  fortunes  of  the  two  days'  fight,  had  been 
carefully  guarded  from  any  approach  of  the  Unionists.  The  retreat  was 
neither  a  panic  nor  a  rout.  Some  regiments  threw  away  their  arms, 
blankets,  etc.,  from  exhaustion ;  great  numbers  of  killed  and  wounded 
crowded  the  army  wagons,  and  much  camp  equipage  was  necessarily 
left  behind. 

The  pursuit  was  kept  up  with  but  little  energy.  ,  Tlie  nature  of  the 
woods  rendered  cnvnlry  movements  extremely  difficult,  and  though 
three  thousand  '  \  mounted  fellows  had  waited  two  days  for  ari* 


GESTEBAL   BHERMAN's    RECOXNOISSAXCE   TOWARD   CORINTH.       403 

order  to  ride  into  the  fray,  it  came  too  late  for  much  service.  The 
infantry  pushed  onward  only  a  mile  or  two,  for  being  unacquainted  with 
the  topography  of  the  country,  General  Buell  considered  it  dangerous 
to  pursue  his  advantages  any  farther. 

In  giving  a  record  of  this  contest,  one  thing  is  assured — tlie  Union 
victory  was  won  by  the  heroic  fortitude  of  men,  many  of  whom  never 
before  had  been  under  fire ;  and  the  field  is  written  all  over  with  the 
records  of  soldiers  whose  unfaltering  heroism  gave  the  name  of  Pitts- 
burg Landing  to  the  hardest  fought  and  noblest  won  battle  of  the 
American  continent. 


GEIfEEAL  SHEEMAirS  EEOONNOISSANOE  TOWAED  OOEDITK 

Apeil  8,  1862.  , 

The  fatigue  and  suffering  experienced  by  the  victorious  army  at  Pitts-- 
burg  were  too  severe  for  an  immediate  pursuit  of  Beauregard's  forces  on 
their  retreat  from  the  battle  field  on  the  Vth  of  April.  On  the  morning 
of  the  8th,  however,  General  W.  T.  Sherman  was  ordered  by  General 
Grant  to  follow  up  the  enemy,  with  a  small  force.  With  two  brigades 
of  infantry,  and  Colonel  Dickey's  Illinois  cavalry,  he  advanced  on  the 
Corinth  road,  to  the  forks,  several  miles  beyond  the  battle  field.  The 
abandoned  camps  of  the  enemy  lined  the  road,  in  all  of  which  were 
found  more  or  less  of  their  wounded  with  hospital  flags  thrown 
out  for  their  protection.  At  that  point,  reconnoitering  parties  were 
sent  out  on  both  roads,  which  reported  the  enemy's  cavalry  in  fqfce  in 
either  direction.  A  Federal  brigade  under  General  Wood,  which  had 
been  stationed  in  that  vicinity,  was  ordered  to  advance  on  the  left  hand 
road,  while  General  Sherman  led  the  third  brigade  of  his  division  up  the 
right.  About  half  a  mile  from  the  forks  was  a  clear  field,  through  which 
the  highway  passed,  and  immediately  beyond  it  a  space  of  two  hundred 
yards  of  fallen  timber ;  beyond  that  an  extensive  camp  of  the  enemy's 
•  cavalry  could  be  seen.  After  a  reconnoissance,  the  two  advanced  com- 
panies of  the  Ohio  Seventy-seventh,  Colonel  Ilildebrand,  were  ordered 
to  deploy  as  skirmishers,  and  the  regiment  itself  to  move  forward  into 
line,  with  intervals  of  one  hundred  yards.  In  this  order  they  advanced 
cautiously  until  the  skirmishers  were  engaged. 

Taking  it  for  granted  that  this  disposition  would  clear  the  camp.  Gen. 
Sherman  held  Colonel  Dickey's  Fourth  Illinois  cavalry  ready  to  charge. 
The  enemy's  cavalry  came  down  boldly,  breaking  through  the  line  of 
skirmishers,  when  the  regiment  of  infantry  Avavered,  threw  away  its 
guns  and  fled.  The  ground  was  admirably  adapted  to  a  defence  of  in- 
fantry against  cavalry,  it  being  miry  and  covered  with  fallen  timber. 


404  THE  WAE  FOE  THE  UlflON". 

As  the  regiment  of  infantry  broke,  Colonel  Dickey's  cavalry  began  to 
charge  with  their  carbines,  and  fell  into  disorder.  General  Sherman  in- 
stantly sent  orders  to  the  rear  for  the  brigade  to  form  in  line  of  battle, 
which  was  promptly  executed.  The  broken  infantry  and  cavalry  rallied 
on  this  line,  and  as  the  enemy's  cavalry  came  up  to  it,  the  Union  cavalry 
in  turn  charged  and  drove  them  from  the  field.  General  Sherman  then 
advanced  the  entire  brigade  upon  the  same  ground,  and  sent  Colonel 
Dickey's  cavalry  a  mile  further  on  the  road.  On  the  ground  which  had 
been  occupied  by  the  Seventy-seventh  Ohio,  were  fifteen  dead  and  about 
twenty-five  wounded.  Two  hundred  and  eighty  Confederate  wounded 
and  fifty  of  the  Federals  were  found  in  the  camp  from  which  the 
enemy  were  driven. 

General  Ilalleck  attributed  the  victory  at  Pittsburg  greatly  to  the 
bravery  and  skill  of  General  Sherman,  and  recommended  that  he  should 
be  promoted  to  a  Major-Generalship,  which  rank  was  conferred  upon 
him  by  the  President. 


OCCUPATION    OF  HUNTSVILLE,  ALA. 

April  10,  1862. 

On  the  same  day  that  General  Buell  left  Nashville  for  Pittsburg,  he 
dispatched  General  Mitchell's  division  on  a  hazardous  expedition  through 
Tennessee,  to  Huntsville,  Ala. 

Leaving  Murfreesborough,  Tenn.,  on  the  6th  of  April,  they  marched 
to  Shdbyville,  twenty-six  miles,  in  twelve  hours,  amid  a  cold,  drizzling 
rain.  They  experienced  a  warm  welcome  from  the  inhabitants  of  that . 
beautiful  city.  Here  they  were  obliged  to  remain  two  days,  awaiting 
the  arrival  of  their  supply  train ;  and  on  the  8th,  after  a  march  of  twenty- 
seven  miles,  they  reached  Fayetteville,  Lincoln  Co.,  a  town  where  the 
secession  sentiment  was  almost  universal.  Fifteen  miles  beyond  they 
crossed  the  State  line  and  entered  Alabama,  continuing  their  course 
due  south.     A  Northern  journal  says : 

"  It  stirs  the  blood  with  enthusiasm  to  read  the  exploits  of  General 
Mitchell,  in  Alabama — so  full  are  they  of  dash,  enterprise  and  daring. 
"When  the  General  was  on  his  way  to  Bridgeport,  he  met  a  '  native,' 
whom  he  asked  to  show  him  a  point  where  a  certain  stream  could  be 
forded.  The  Alabamian  declined  to  furnish  the  information.  '  Bind 
him  and  march  him  to  the  head  of  the  column,'  said  the  General.  Then 
every  man  of  three  thousand  in  the  ranks  was  ordered  to  take  a  rail 
from  the  adjacent  fences,  and  these  were  thrown  into  the  river,  extem- 
porizing a  bridge  on  which  the  troops  crossed.  At  another  place,  they 
came  upon  a  stream  three  himdrcd  feet  wide,  and  twenty  feet  deep. 


OCCTTPAtlON   OP   HUNTSVILLE.  407 

*  Never  mind,'  Baid  the  General,  'I  have  a  pontoon  bridge;'  and  be 
ordered  his  men  to  roll  do^\'Il  the  bales  from  a  load  of  abandoned  cotton 
near  by.  Some  of  the  officers  laughed  at  the  idea  of  making  a  bridge 
of  such  materials,  but  he  told  them  he  had  calculated  the  buoyancy  of 
cotton,  and  found  it  to  be  four  hundred  and  eighty-six  pounds  to  a  bale. 
The  bridge  was  made,  and  the  calculation  proved  correct. 

"  On  reaching  a  bridge  near  Sunrise,  it  was  found  to  be  on  fire,  with  a 
piece  of  rebel  artillery  stationed  to  command  it.  General  Mitchell 
entered  the  bridge  and  asked  who  would  volunteer  to  save  it.  A  ser- 
geant of  the  Thirty-third  Ohio  sprang  after  him.  '  You  are  my  man  ! ' 
said  the  General.  In  a  moment  the  bridge  was  thronged  w'ith  volun- 
« teers,  and  they  saved  it.  At  another  place  the  General  himself  was 
found  in  the  mud  with  his  coat  off,  working  at  a  bridge  on  which  his 
command  crossed  a  swamp." 

As  the  army  advanced,  an  eager  curiosity  became  manifest  to  know 
the  point  of  destination.  On  the  way,  the  General  met  a  man  travelling 
on  foot.     He  asked  him  how  far  it  was  to  Huntsville. 

"  Eleven  miles." 

*' Do  they  know  "vre  are  coming  ?  " 

"  No  ;  they  have  not  the  least  idea  of  it." 

Huntsville,  then,  was  the  desired  haven.  Ten  miles  from  the  place  the 
General  called  a  halt,  to  wait  for  the  artillery  a;nd  infantry  to  come  up. 
No  tents  were  pitched,  but  for  miles  aAvay  the  impatient  invaders  could 
be  seen  around  their  camp  fires.  The  General  flung  himself  down  by  an 
old  log,  overrun  with  moss,  and  on  this  novel  bed  snatched  two  hours' 
rest.  Just  as  the  moon  was  going  down,  the  bugle  call  was  sounded. 
The  soldiers  sprang  to  their  feet,  and  in  a  few  minutes  they  were  ready 
to  move. 

The  Simonson  battery  led  the  way,  supported  by  Kennett's  and  Col- 
onel Turchin's  brigade.  The  army  passed  a  magnificent  plantation, 
with  many  negroes,  owned  by  the  rebel  ex-Secretary  Walker.  Four 
miles  from  Huntsville,  the  shrill  whistle  of  a  locomotive  was  heard.  In  a 
few  moments  the  train  hove  in  sight,  and  was  stopped  by  the  outbreak 
of  Simonson's  brass  guns.  The  train  was  captured,  together  with  one 
hundred  and  fifty-nine  prisoners. 

On  to  the  town  was  the  cry.  Daylight  was  dawning,  and  the  citizens 
quietly  sleeping  as  the  foe  entered  the  silent  streets.  The  clattering 
noise  of  the  cavalry  aroused  them  from  their  slumbers,  and  they  flocked 
to  the  doors  and  windows,  exclaiming,  with  blanched  cheeks  and  sinking 
hearts,  "  They  have  come — theYankees  have  come  ! "  Never  in  the  his- 
tory of  any  military  movement  was  a  surprise  so  complete.  Men  rushed 
into  the  street  half  dressed,  women  fainted,  cliildren  screamed,  the 
negroes  laughed,  and  for  a  short  time  a  scene  of  perfect  terror  reigned. 


408  THE    AVAR   FOU   Till!:    UXIOX. 

This  state  of  affairs  soon  subsided,  wlien  these  startled  people  realized 
that  the  Union  soldiers  were  disposed  to  treat  them  kindly. 

Colonel  Gazley,  of  the  Thirty-seventh  Indiana,  was  appointed  Provost- 
Marshal,  and  his  regiment  occupied  the  city  as  Provost-Guard. 

At  the  .extensive  depot  was  found  seventeen  first-class  locomotives, 
and  a  great  number  of  passenger  and  freight  cars.  At  the  foundry, 
two  or  three  cannon  with  several  small  arms.  The  General  soon  made 
good  use  of  the  engines.  Ere  the  close  of  the  night,  one  hundre<l  miles 
of  the  Memphis  and  Charleston  railroad  was  in  liis  possession,  stretch- 
ing in  one  direction  as  for  as  Stevenson,  in  the  other  as  far  as  Decatur, 
capturing  at  the  latter  place  the  entire  camp  equipage  of  a  regiment, 
which  left  very  hastily  on  the  approach  of  the  Union  troops. 

Making  Iluntsville  his  lieadquarters,  where  he  remained  for  six  weeks, 
General  jMitchell  rendered  essential  service  by  intercepting  the  enemy's 
communications,  and  capturing  or  destroying  his  supplies.  lie  evinced 
marked  ability,  and  met  with  uniform  success  in  fitting  out  many  smaller 
expeditions  through  that  region  of  country.  He  extemporized  a  gun- 
boat  on  the  Tennessee,  which  aided  him  materially  when  visiting  the 
eastern  side  of  the  river. 


OAPTUKE  or  POET  PULASKI,  GA. 

Apuil  11,  1862, 

Fort  Pulaski,  the  key  to  the  city  of  Savannah,  stands  on  Cockspur 
Island,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Savannah  river,  about  fourteen  miles  below 
the  city.  It  was  built  by  the  United  States  Government  at  a  cost  of 
nearly  one  million  of  dollars.  It  is  of  a  pentagonal  form,  and  covers 
several  acres  of  ground.  The  walls  are  forty  feet  high,  presenting  two 
faces  towards  the  sea,  the  ranges  of  fire  radiating  at  opposite  angles.  It 
was  a  position  of  immense  strength,  being  constructed  for  a  full  arma- 
ment, on  the  lower  tier,  of  sixty-five  32-pounders,  and  the  upper  tier  for 
fifty-three  24-pounders,  four  18-pound  flanking  howitzers,  one  13-irich 
mortar,  twelve  8-inch  columbiads,  and  seven  10-mch  mortars— altogether, 
one  hundred  and  fifty  guns.  The  interior  of  the  fort  was  well  supplied 
with  large  furnaces  for  heating  shot,  quarters,  barracks,  ammunition,  etc. 

Tybee  Island,  and  the  lighthouse,  had  been  previously  evacuated  by 
the  rebels..  The  investment  of  Fort  Pulaski  was  a  work  of  great  magni- 
tude, and  long  and  careful  preparations  for  its  reduction  were  necessary. 
Batteries  were  erected  at  several  points,  after  severe  labor  on  the  part 
of  the  Federal  forces,  and  at  the  end  of  the  month  of  March  the  final 
arrangements  were  drawing  to  completion. 

Cockspur  Island,  on  which  Fort  Pulaski  stands,  is  low  and  mai-shy, 


OAPTUIIE    OF    KOUT    PULASKI. 


409 


and  the  nearest  solid  land  is  Tybee  Island,  lying  to  the  seaward,  and 
within  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant.  Tybee  Island  stretches  out 
from  a  point  known  as  Goat  Point,  two  or  three  miles  to  the  sea — the 
nearest  point  to  the  fort  being  that  just  named.  General  Q.  A.  Gillmore 
took  command  at  Tybee  Island  on  February  20th,  which  had  been  pre- 
viously evacuated  by  the  rebels,  and  here  were  built  the  heaviest  breach- 
ing batteries ;  but  others  were  erected  at  intervals  along  the  shore  for 
a  distance  of  nearly  two  miles.  The  subjoined  table  gives  their  strength 
and  armament : 


BATTEUT. 


NO.  OF 
GUNS. 

.Stanton ....   3. 
Grant 3 


WEIGHT. 
LBS. 


Lyon. .  . 
Lincoln . . 
Burnside. 
Sherman. 
Halleck.. 

Scott. 


•I 


Sigel..-'   \ 


McClellan  < 

Totten 4       10  inch.  Mortar. 


13  inch. 

13  " 

10  " 

8  " 

13  " 

13  " 

13  " 

10  " 

8  » 

30  lbs. 

24  " 

42  " 

32  " 


Mortar.  17,120 '  3,476 
"  17,120     3,256 

Columb'd  15,059     3,256 

"  9,240     3,045 

Mortar.     17,120     2,760 

"  17,120     2,677 

"  •        17,120     2,407 

Columb'd  15,059  1,777 
"  9,240     

Part's  s.c'r     

J.ames  


1,852     1,643 


COMUANDER. 

Captain  Skinner. 

"      Palmer. 

"      Pelouze. 

"  Pelouze. 
Sergeant  Wilson. 
Captain  Francis. 

"      Sanford. 

^^       Mason. 

(C 

„    SeldenkirL 

,^    Rogers. 
"    Rodman. 


These  works  were  erected  wholly  at  night,  as  they  were  all  within  range 
of  Fort  Pulaski.  Their  faces  were  bomb-proof,  while  in  the  rear 
of  those  most  exposed  lay  a  long  wide  swamp,  into  which  it  was  suppos- 
ed that  a  great  portion  of  the  shot  and  shells  from  Fort  Pulaski  would 
fall.  The  supposition  proved  correct.  The  magazines  were  bomb-i:)roof, 
and  trenches  connected  the  batteries  on  Goat's  Point;  besides  this, 
splinter-proofs  were  provided  for  the  reliefs,  so  that  every  protection 
possible  was  secured  to  the  men.  The  result  proved  with  how  great 
success  these  preparations  were  made ;  during  the  bombardment  of 
thirty  hours  the  gimners  lost  but  one  man  killed  or  wounded.  The 
work  occupied  six  weeks,  and  was  chiefly  performed  by  the  Seventh 
Connecticut,  Colonel  Terry,  the  Forty-fifth  New  York,  Colonel  Ross, 
and  a  detachment  of  Volunteer  Engineers,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hall.  When  the  guns  were  nearly  all  in  position,  a  battalion  of  the 
Third  Rhode  Island  Volunteer  Artillery  was  sent  to  Tybee  to  assist  in 
manning  the  guns,  and  later  the  Eighth  Maine  regiment.  Colonel  Rust. 
'  The  mounting  of  ordnance  was  executed  under  the  direction  of  Lieu- 
tenant Porter,  of  the  U.  S.  army ;  he  also  assumed  the  entire  charge  of  all 
duties  connected  with  the  ordnance  department  on  the  island,  supervised 


410  THE   WAR   FOR   THE    UNIOIT. 

the  landing  of  ammunition  and  implements,  and  directed  the  transporta- 
tion of  all  the  guns.  This  was  a  task  of  infinite  labor.  The  transportation 
of  heavy  guns,  always  difficult,  was  here  rendered  peculiarly  so.  They 
had  to  be  landed  through  a  bad  surf  on  an  open  beach,  and  thence  dragged 
by  the  soldiers  for  nearly  two  miles  through  a  yielding  sand.  The 
works  were  placed  so  as  to  be  hidden  from  the  enemy  until  they  opened 
fire.  Battery  Totten  was  nearly  1,700  yards  from  the  fort;  Batteries 
Sigel  and  McClellan  1,620;  Battery  Scott  nearly  1,677;  Battery  Hal- 
leck  2,400 ;  Battery  Burnside  and  others  were  all  more  than  3,000  ; 
Battery  Grant  3,500  yards  away.  Breaching  casemated  forts  at  this 
distance  had  never  been  supposed  practicable  in  modern  warfare ;  in- 
deed, 800  yards  is  the  greatest  distance  at  which  it  was  ever  attempted. 

On  the  9th  of  April  the  batteries  were  completed,  the  guns  placed,  and 
the  magazines  filled.  General  Viele  had  constructed  a  co-operating  bat- 
tery on  the  southern  extremity  of  Long  Island,  in  the  Savannah,  and  not 
more  than  two  miles,  if  so  far,  from  the  fort.  The  purpose  of  this  was  to 
obtain  a  reverse  fire  during  the  bombardment,  which  otherwise  would 
proceed  entirely  from  Tybee  Island.  This  battery  was  not  completed 
in  time  to  engage  in  the  first  day's  action,  but  opened  fire  on  the  second. 

A  day  or  two  before  the  bombardment  actually  commenced.  General 
Hunter  (who  had  superseded  General  Sherman  in  command  of  the  land 
forces  at  Hilton  Head)  and  his  aids,  and  General  Benham  with  his  staff, 
came  down  on  steamers  from  Hilton  Head  to  be  present  during  the 
engagement,  though  the  command  was  left  with  General  Gillmore. 

On  the  9th  of  April  General  Gillmore  issued  orders  when  the  bom- 
bardment should  be  opened,  and  the  part  which  each  of  the  batteries 
should  take  in  the  Avork.  General  Hunter  sent  a  letter  to  Colonel 
Charles  H.  Olmstead,  First  Regiment  Georgia  Volunteers,  demanding 
an  unconditional  surrender  of  the  fort  to  the  United  States ;  and  re- 
presentmg  the  loss  of  life  which  would  occur  if  resistance  were  made 
to  the  numerous  batteries  with  which  he  was  surrounded.  Colonel 
Olmstead  replied  briefly,  saying  in  language  worthy  of  a  more  sacred 
cause,  "  I  am  here  to  defend  the  fort,  not  to  surrender  it."  When  Lieu- 
tenant J.  H.  Wilson  returned  with  this  reply,  orders  were  given  to 
open  fire  from  the  batteries,  and  at  half  past  seven  a.  m.,  the  first  shot 
was  fired  from  Battery  Halleck.  The  other  batteries  followed,  and  Fort 
Pulaski  promptly  responded. 

The  guns  for  some  time  not  obtaining  the  proper  range,  were  in- 
effective. The  Federal  gunners  after  a  little  time  learned  to  dis- 
tinguish the  various  shot  fired  by  the  enemy,  and  the  range  they  had. 
When  a  gun  was  fired,  and  the  shot  was  seen  approaching,  the  cry  of 
"  casemate  "  or  "  barbette  "  was  given,  and  they  sheltered  themselves 
accordingly.     Still  later  in  the  engagement  they  distinguished  the  shot 


CAPTURE   OP   FOKT  PULAflKI.  411 

by  the  cry  "  barbette  "  and  "  rifle,"  and  when  the  latter  was  fired  they 
protected  themselves  under  cover,  as  far  as  possible.  The  same  skill 
was  attained  by  the  rebels  in  the  fort. 

The  bombardment  had  continued  several  hours,  when  two  mortar 
batteries  along  the  shore  outside  of  the  fort,  on  Goat's  Point,  opened, 
and  to  them  the  enemy  directed  his  hottest  fire. 

About  one  o'clock  the  halyards  attached  to  the  flagstaff  were  shot 
away,  and  the  flag  came  down,  but  was  immediately  raised  in  a  less 
conspicuous  place.  During  the  afternoon  an  embrasure  in  the  pancoupe^ 
on  the  soutlieast  angle  of  the  fort,  was  struck  repeatedly,  and  pieces  of 
the  brick  work  gave  way.  This  angle  was  the  nearest  point  to  the  bat- 
teries, and  in  a  direct  line  with  the  magazine  of  Fort  Pulaski — a  fact 
well  known  to  the  Federals  from  plans  of  the  work  in  their  possession. 
Afterwards  all  efforts  to  effect  a  breach  were  directed  to  this  spot. 
Several  of  the  most  important  guns,  however,  were  out  of  order ;  the 
mortar  shells  were  obsei'ved  to  fall  mostly  wide  of  the  mark ;  and  no 
great  result  could  be  noticed  even  when  one  fell  within  the  fort.  Nume- 
rous marks,  however,  all  along  both  faces  of  the  work  which  were  ex- 
posed, told  the  force  and  accuracy  of  the  firing.  By  nightfall,  th^  breach 
was  so  far  effected  that  it  was  evident  it  could  eventually  be  converted 
into  a  practicable  one.  The  bombardment  was  discontinued  at  dark, 
three  mortar  batteries  firing  one  shell  each  at  intervals  of  five  minutes 
all  night  long,  worrying  the  enemy,  and  preventing  any  attempt  to  stop 
the  breach,  but  Avithout  any  idea  of  doing  material  harm.  Several  of 
his  guns  had  evidently  been  dismounted,  and  others  silenced,  during  the 
day.  The  breach  had  been  commenced,  but  on  the  whole  the  result  did 
not  seem  especially  encouraging.  The  men  and  officers  were  very 
thoroughly  tired  with  the  severe  work  they  had  undergone,  and  the  still 
more  fatiguing  excitement ;  few  bad  found  time  to  eat  or  drink.  Many, 
however,  had  night  duties  to  perform.  Strong  infantry  pickets  were 
placed,  and  still  stronger  supports,  in  expectation  an  attempt  would  be 
made  to  relieve  the  garrison. 

Shortly  after  daybreak  all  the  batteries  were  opened  agaib.  The  reply 
was  more  vigorous  than  on  the  day  before.  On  the  Federal  side  every 
gun  was  in  readiness,  and  did  good  service.  The  great  columbiads 
under  Captain  Pelouze  were  especially  effective ;  they  certainly  shook  the 
walls  of  old  Pulaski,  and  damaged  them  to  a  considerable  extent.  All 
along  the  line  the  firing  was  more  rapid  and  more  accurate,  five  shots 
striking  the  walls  within  as  many  seconds.  Rebel  pfficers  said  that, 
on  an  average,  one  out  of  three  shots  that  were  fired  took  effect,  and 
that  during  all  of  the  second  day  one  shot  or  shell  every  minute  was 
the  average  ihey  received.  Early  in  the  morning  Captain  Seldenkirk, 
of  Battery  Sigel,  was  relieved,  and  Captain  C.  P.  R.  Rodgers,  of  the 


412  THE   WAn   FOR   THE   UWION. 

frigate  Wabash,  with  a  portion  of  her  crew,  worked  several  of  the  guns 
of  tliis  battery  during  the  remainder  of  the  figlit.  At  the  same  time 
Captain  Turner,  Chief  of  Commissary  on  General  Hunter's-  staflT,  and 
Lieutenant  Wilson,  undertook  to  drill  a  detachment  of  tire  Eighth  Maine 
Volunteers  (Colonel  Rust).  These  men  went  to  work,  Avere  drilled 
under  fire,  and  in  ten  minutes  were  able  to  serve  their  guns  with  more 
than  tolerable  accuracy,  and  did  some  of  the  most  effective  service  ren- 
dered that  day.  This  pame  regiment  lay  not  more  than  half  a  mile  in 
the  rear  of  Battery  Ilalleck,  for  more  than  half  of  the  entire  engage- 
ment, covered  only  by  some  brushwood,  but  perfectly  content  with 
their  exposed  position. 

Early  on  the  second  day,  especial  attention  was  directed  to  the  breach. 
Every  gun  that  could  be  brought  to  bear  upon  the  pancoupe  was  trained 
that  way,  and  directly  the  aperture  began  to  show  the  effects.  In  an 
hour  it  became  large  enough  for  two  men  to  enter  abreast,  and  the 
nearest  embrasure  on  its  left  was  also  considerably  enlarged.  Slean- 
while,all  the  other  effects  of  the  day  befwe  were  enhanced;  shots  struck 
all  over  the  two  exposed  faces  of  the  fort ;  the  mortar  batteries  on  the 
sliore  of  Cockspur  Island  were  silenced,  and  several  of  Jhe  casemate  guns 
were  struck  through  the  embrasures.  The  battery  put  up  by  General 
Viele,  on  Long  Island,  opened  iire  that  morning,  and  received  repeated 
replies,  rendering  good  service  by  the  destruction  it  occasioned.  The 
gunboat  Norwich,  laying  on  the  right  of  the  fort,  also  became  engaged — 
the  distance,  however,  was  too  great  for  her  to  render  aqy  special  as- 
sistance,— still  she  got  an  occasional  answer  from  the  garrison.  On  this 
day  clouds  of  red  dust  were  seen  to  rise  more  frequently  from  the  fort, 
indicating  that  the  brickwork  of  which  it  is  constructed  was  breaking  up, 
and  after  a  while,  the  great  breach  became  so  large  that  the  propriety 
of  a  storming  party  was  discussed.  The  lower  part  of  the  aperture 
was  partly  filled  by  the  debris  that  fell  from  above ;  the  arch  of  the 
casemate  was  laid  bare,  while  evidently  shaken,  a  gun  in  barbette,  im- 
mediately over  the  breach,  was  tottering  and  ready  to  tumble  below. 
The  breach  by  its  side  was  also  momentarily  becoming  wider,  and  just 
as  General  Benhara  was  questioning  whether  a  messenger  should  not  be 
sent  to  demand  a  surrender,  before  risking  so  great  a  loss  of  human  life 
as  must  be  incurred  in  an  assault,  the  rebel  flag  on  old  Pulaski  was 
lowered  half  way,  and  a  final  shot  fired  from  a  casemate  in  the  fort. 
As  the  flag  was  not  completely  hauled  down,  the  Unionists  were  for  a 
moment  uncertain  of  its  import,  but  all  firing  was  ordered  to  cease.  In 
a  minute  more  the  white  flag  was  raised,  and  with  cheer  after  cheer 
all  along  the  batteries  on  Tybee,  came  down  the  stars  and  bars.  It  was 
on  the  11th  of  April,  a  year  to  a  day  from  the  time  when  the  stars  and 
stripes  were  first  dishonored  by  Americans  at  Fort  Sumter. 


CAPTURE    OP   FORT   PULASKI.  il3 

General  Hunter  was  aboard  the  McClellan  with  his  aids,  watching 
the  engagement.  Generals  Gillmore  and  Benham  were  active,  and  mdc 
rapidly  out  to  Goat's  Point.  On  arriving  at  this  place,  General  Gill- 
more,  with  his  aid,  Mr.  Badeau,  and  Colonel  Rust,  entered  a  boat  .and 
put  off  for  the  fort.  The  passage  was  rough,  the  channel  unknown,  and 
the  skiff  got  aground,  and  was  nearly  upset ;  but  at  last,  soaked  and 
dripping,  the  party  landed  on  Cockspur  Island. 

They  were  met  near  the  landing-place  by  Captain  Sims,  of  the  Georgia 
Volunteers,  who  conducted  them  to  the  fort.  Colonel  Olmstead,  the 
commandant,  stood  at  the  entrance,  and  received  them  courteously.  He 
invited  General  Gillmore  into  his  own  quarters,  for  a  private  interview. 
The  terms  of  capitulation  were  arranged,  and  General  Gillmore  was  then 
conducted  over  the  fort  by  the  Colonel,  and  took  his  leave,  accompanied 
by  Colonel  Rust.  General  Hunter,  in  the  mean  time,  had  sent  messen- 
gers to  the  fort.  Colonel  Olmstead  showed  them  around  the  works, 
and  conducted  them  to  the  interior,  when  the  swords  were  delivered. 
This  took  place  in  the  Colonel's  headquarters,  all  standing.  Major  Hal- 
pine  represented  General  Hunter.  As  soon  as  this  ceremony  was  over, 
the  American  flag  was  raised,  and  the  stars  and  stripes  floated  again 
on  the  walls  of  Fort  Pulaski.  In  giving  up  his  sword,  Colonel  Olmstead 
said,  "  I  yield  my  sword,  but  I  trust  I  have  not  disgraced  it." 

The  arms  of  the  privates  had  been  previously  stacked  on  the  parade, 
and  the  men  marched  to  quarters.  Both  officers  and  men  were  allowed 
to  remain  all  night  in  their  usual  quarters.  The  interior  of  the  fort, 
presented  a  sorry  picture.  Blindages  had  been  put  up  extending  on  all 
the  rampart,  and  a  part  rendered  bomb-proof;  but  shot  and  shell  liad 
burst  through  many  of  the  sides — knocked  in  walls,  broken  down  stair- 
ways, entered  casemates,  upset  guns,  and  piled  up  masses  of  rubbish  and 
debris  all  around.  Seven  guns  on  the  parapet  were  dismounted ;  neai'ly 
every  traverse  had  been  struck  and  partly  torn  to  pieces ;  all  the  passage- 
ways were  obstructed  by  piles  of  stones  and  fallen  timber ;  the  maga- 
zine had  been  struck,  and  part  of  its  outer  casing  of  brick  torn  away, 
while  at  the  breach,  the  havoc  was,  of  course,  greatest  of  all.  The 
breach  was  entirely  practicable ;  the  ditch,  sixty  feet  across,  was  more 
than  half  filled  up  by  the  fragments  that  had  fallen,  and  half  a  dozen  men 
abreast  could  have  entered  the  aperture.  The  Colonel  declared,  how- 
ever, that  he  should  have  held  out  until  nightfall,  had  the  magazine  not 
been  struck.  This,  of  course,  settled  his  fate,  and  rendered  any  pro- 
longed resistance  a  useless  risk  of  human  life.  Forty  thousand  pounds 
of  powder,  seven  thousand  shot  and  shell,  and  forty-seven  guns  were 
captured.  The  prisoners  were  three  hundred  and  sixty  in  number,  and 
belonged  to  the  Georgia  Volunteers,  the  Oglethorpe  Light  Infantry,  and 
to  a  German  regiment.    The  Colonel  excited  the  sympathies  of  his  cap- 


414  THE   WAR   FOR  THE   UK102T. 

tors  by  a  bearing  at  once  soldierly  and  subdued.  The  oflBcers  invited 
the  Unionists  to  their  quarters,  where  several  took  supper,  and  some 
even  sle])t  with  the  rebels  whom  they  had  been  figlitiug  a  few  hours 
before.  There  was  no  apparent  bitterness  on  either  side ;  no  desire  to 
introduce  personal  animosities. 

This  long  and  severely  contested  siege  resulted  in  the  loss  of  only  two 
lives,  while  the  number  of  wounded  was  very  small.  This  fact  is  re- 
markable, in  view  of  the  immense  amount  of  shot  and  shell  exchanged 
during  the  bombardment. 

On  Sunday,  thdIlSth,  the  men  were  divided  into  two  parties — the 
officers  and  about  two-thirds  of  the  men  fonning  the  first,  mIio  were 
placed  on  the  Ben  de  Ford: — the  remainder  on  the  Honduras,  and  taken 
to  Bay  Point.  Here  they  were  transferred  to  the  McCIellan  and  Star 
of  the  South,  to  be  sent  to  Fort  Columbus,  in  the  harbor  of  New  York. 


BATTLE  OF  SOUTH  MILLS,  CAMDEN,  N.  0. 

Afkil  20,  1862. 

A  short  but  severely  contested  engagement  took  place  on  the  20th 
of  April,  between  the  command  of  General  J.  L.  Reno,  and  a  body  of 
rebels  posted  in  a  strong  position  to  intercept  the  supposed  advance  of 
the  Federal  troops  on  Norfolk.  General  Burnside  directed  General 
Reno  to  make  a  demonstration  on  that  city,  and  the  latter,  taking  with 
him  from  Newbern  the  Twenty-first  Massachusetts  and  Fifty-first 
Pennsylvania,  proceeded  to  Roanoke,  where  he  was  joined  by  detach- 
ments of  the  Eighty-ninth  New  York  and  Sixth  New  Hampshire.  With 
these  forces  he  started  for  Elizabeth  City,  and  commenced  disembark- 
ing at  midnight,  on  the  19th,  at  a  point  about  three  miles  below  the 
city,  on  the  east  side. 

By  three  a.  m.  Colonel  IlawkinS'  brigade,  consisting  of  the  Ninth 
and  Eighty-ninth  New  York,  and  Sixth  New  Hampshire,  were  landed 
and  ready  to  move.  Colonel  Hawkins  proceeded  with  his  brigade  to- 
ward South  Mills.  General  Reno  remained  to  bring  up  the  other  two 
regiments,  which  had  been  delayed  by  the  grounding  of  their  vessels  at 
the  mouth  of  the  river.  They  came  up  at  daylight,  and  were  landed  by 
aeven  a.  m.  General  Reno  marched  dir^tly  toward  South  Mills,  and  about 
twelve  miles  out  met  Colonel  Hawkins,  with  his  brigade,  who,  either  by 
the  treachery  or  incompetency  of  his  guide,  had  been  led  some  miles  out 
of  his  way.  As  bis  men  were  very  much  jaded  by  the  long  march,  they 
were  ordered  to  follow  the  Second  brigade,  about  four  miles  further,  to 
within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  South  Mills. 

The  rebels  were  posted  here,  and  opened  a  fire  of  artillery,  Ibefore  the 


BATTLE  OF  SOUTH  MILLS.  415 

advanced  guard  discovered  them.  General  Reno  reconnoitered  their 
position,  ani  found  that  they  were  posted  strongly  in  a  line  perpendic- 
ular to  the  road,  their  infantry  in  ditches,  their  artillery  commanding  all 
the  direct  approaches,  and  their  rear  protected  by  a  dense  forest.  He 
ordered  the  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  immediately  to  file  to  the  right,  and 
pass  over  to  the  edge  of  the  woods,  to  turn  their  left — the  Twenty-first 
Massachusetts  pursuing  the  same  course ;  and  whea  Colonel  Hawkins 
came  up  with  his  brigade,  he  was  sent  with  the  Ninth  and  Eighty-ninth 
New  York  to  their  support. 

The  Sixth  New  Hampshire  was  formed  in  line  to  the  left  of  the 
road,  and  its  commander  ordered  to  support  the  four  pieces  of  ar- 
tillery. Owing  to  the  excessive  fatigue  of  the  men,  they  met  with 
some  delay  in  reaching  their  position.  Meanwhile  the  enemy  kept  up 
a  brisk  artillery  fire,  Avhich  was  gallantly  responded  to  by  the  small 
pieces  under  charge  of  Colonel  IIo ward,  of  the  Coast  Guard.  As  soon 
as  the  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  and  Twenty-first  Massachusetts  had  suc- 
ceeded in  turning  their  left,  they  opened  a  brisk  musketry  fire,  and, 
about  the  same  time,  the  Ninth  New  York,  also  coming  in  range,  eager 
to  engage,  unfortunately  charged  upon  the  enemy's  artillery.  It  was 
a  most  gallant  charge,  but  they  were  exposed  to  a  deadly  fire  of 
grape  and  musketry,  and  forced  to  retire,  but  rallied  immediately  upon 
the  Eighty-ninth  New  York.  General  Reno  then  ordered  both  regiments 
to  form  a  junction  with  the  Twenty-first  Massachusetts.  In  the  mean- 
time, the  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  and  Twenty-first  Massachusetts  kept 
up  an  incessant  fire  upon  the  rebels,  who  had  withdrawn  their  artillery, 
and  commenced  to  retreat  in  good  order.  The  Sixth  New  Hampshire 
had  steadily  advanced  in  line  to  the  left  of  the  road,  and  when  within 
about  two  hundred  yards  poured  in  a  deadly  volley,  which  completely 
demoralized  the  enemy  and  ended  the  battle. 

The  men  rested  under  arms  in  line  of  battle,  until  about  ten  o'clock, 
p.  ^r.,  when  they  were  ordered  to  return  to  the  boats,  having  accom- 
plished the  principal  object  of  the  expedition,  that  of  conveying  the  idea 
that  the  entire  Burnside  Expedition  was  marching  upon  Norfolk.  Owing 
to  a  want  of  transportation,  sixteen  of  the  most  severely  wounded  were 
left  behind.  Assistant-Surgeon  Warren  was  left  with  them.  Only  about 
ten  or  fifteen  prisoners  were  taken.  Most  of  them  belonged  to  the  Third 
Georgia  regiment.  The  Ninth  New  York  suffered  most  severely,  owing 
to  their  premature  charge.  The  total  loss  of  the  Federal  troops  in 
killed  and  wounded  was  about  ninety,  some  sixty  of  the  number  be- 
longing to  that  regiment. 

Just  as  the  decisive  volley  of  the  Sixth  New  Hampshire  had  com- 
pelled the  rebels  to  abandon  their  position,  a  terrific  thunder-storm 
broke  upon  the  scene  of  conflict,  and  a  heavy  rain  rendered  the  hope  of 


416  THE   WAR   FOR   THE   UNION. 

pursuit  futile.  After  burying  the  dead,  and  taking  a  brief  rest,  General 
Reno  and  his  command  took  up  their  march  for  lieadqaart<ys,  at  New- 
born. On  the  advance  the  sun  beat  fiercely  upon  his  exhausted  men, 
the  weather  was  intensely  hot,  and  they  were  almost  prostrated  with 
the  fatigue  of  the  battle  and  the  labor  of  Ihe  march,  before  they  reached 
a  place  of  rest. 


OAPTUEE  OF  rOET  MAOON,  N.  0. 

April  26,  1862. 

The  occupation  of  the  town  of  Beaufort  and  MoreheadCity  by  the 
Federal  troops,  on  the  24th  of  March,  Avas  followed  by  active  prepara- 
tions for  the  reduction  of  Fort  Macon,  which  commanded  the  entrance 
to  the  harbor.  It  was  anticipated  that  on  the  retreat  of  the  rebel  troops 
from  Beaufort  the  overwhelming  numbers  and  equipment  of  the  na- 
tional forces  would  demonstrate  to  the  commander  of  the  fort  the 
hopelessness  of  any  attempt  to  resist  the  arinament  that  would  be 
brought  against  him  in  the  event  of  his  refusal  to  surrender.  This  hope 
was  not  realized.  Colonel  M.  J.  White,  the  commander,  resolved  to 
meet  the  Union  forces  with  every  possible  resistance'  and  if  the  fort 
was  captured  by  the  Federal  arms,  the  doughty  rebel  determined  that 
it  should  be  purchased  at  no  slight  cost. 

Fort  Macon  is  situated  on  a  bluft*  on  Bogue's  Bank,  nearly  two  miles 
from  the  town  of  Beaufort.  It  commands  the  entrance  to  the  harbor, 
and  no  vessel  can  enter  the  main  channel  without  coming  within  range 
of  its  guns.  Opposite  the  fort,  at  the  entrance  of  the  harbor,  is  Shack- 
elford Banks,  distant  about  one  mile  and  a  half  Fort  Macon  is  of  a 
hexagonal  form,  and  has  two  tiers  of  guns — one  in  casemated  bomb- 
proof, and  the  other  en  barbette.  Its  armament  consisted  of  twenty  32- 
pounders,  thirty  24-pounders,  two  18-pounders,  three  field-pieces  for 
flank  defence,  twelve  flank  howitzers,  eight  8-inch  howitzers  (heaA'y), 
eight  8-inch  howitzers  (light),  one  13-inch  mortar,  three  10-inch  mor- 
tars, and  two  Cohorn  mortars — total,  89  guns.  The  war  garrison  of 
the  fort  was  300  men.  There  are  large  furnaces  in  the  fort  for  heating 
shot,  and  before  the  investment  there  was  a  considerable  quantity  of 
powder  in  the  magazine.  ,  The  construction  of  Fort  Macon  was  com- 
menced in  1826,  by  Captain  Eliason,  of  the  United  States  Engineer 
Corps,  and  was  finished  in  18C0,  by  Captain,  afterwards  Brigadier- 
General  John  G.  Foster. 

This  fort,  like  most  others  in  the  Southern  States,  at  the  opening  of 
the  rebellion,  was  in  an  almost  defenceless  condition.  Ordnance  Sergeant 
Alevander  was  the  sole  guardian  of  this  important  position  in  April,  1801. 


CAPTURE  OF  POUT  MACON.  417 

In  March,  the  vote  on  the  question  of  calling  a  State  Convention  was 
taken  in  North  Carolina,  and  a  majority  was  given  against  the  Con- 
vention. Governor  Ellis  assured  the  officer  in  command  that  the  fort 
would  not  be  taken  from  under  the  control  of  the  government,  but  on 
the  11th  of  April,  a  citizen  of  Beaufort,  in  the  interest  of  the  secession- 
ists, collected  a  body  of  fifty  men,  with  whom  he  crossed  over  to  the 
fort  and  demanded  its  surrender.  Sergeant  Alexander  delivered  up  the 
keys,  and  the  rebel  flag  was  hoisted  on  its  walls.  Subsequently  stores 
and  supplies  for  a  garrison  of  500  men  were  collected  and  placed  within 
it,  and  an  efficient  body  of  troops  took  possession,  under  Colonel  White. 

On  March  25th,  1862,  Morehead  City,  on  the  mainland,  opposite 
Bogue  Island,  was  occupied  by  a  portion  of  General  Parke's  division 
of  Burnside's  army.  A  few  days  subsequently  a  landing  had  been 
effected  on  Bogue  Island,  and  a  camp  established  for  the  force  selected 
to  operate  against  Fort  Macon.  On  the  11th  of  April  the  enemy's 
pickets  were  driven  in  by  the  Fifth  Rhode  Island  regiment  and  one 
company  of  the  Fourth  Rhode  Island,  and  eligible  localities  for  the  bat- 
teries were  selected  by  Captain  Williamson,  Topographical  Engineer  on 
General  Burnside's  staff.  On  the  next  day  a  working  party  commenced 
the  erection  of  the  main  battery,  and  from  that  time  the  labor  proceeded 
night  and  day.  The  troops  employed  in  this  service  were  the  Fourth 
and  Fifth  Rhode  Island  and  the  Eighth  Connecticut  regiments.  This 
labor  was  most  severe.  The  men  were  often  on  duty  twenty-four  hours 
at  a  time,  and  labored  zealously  to  accomplish  their  task  in  the  shortest 
possible  period.  What  rest  they  got  when  on  duty  was  obtained  by 
sleeping  on  the  sands,  as  no  tents  or  barracks  could  be  erected,  since 
these  would  have  informed  the  rebels  of  the  location  of  the  troops,  and 
indicated  the  position  of  the  batteries.  The  picket  duty  performed  by 
the  men  was  also  very  severe.  All  their  work  had  to  be  done  under  a 
continuous  and  often  severe  fire  from  the  fort.  From  this,  Tiowever, 
they  were  protected  by  the  peculiar  formation  of  the  ground,  which 
consisted  of  a  succession  of  sand-hills  up  to  within  about  half  a  mile  of 
the  fort. 

Previous  to  the.  bombardment  the  garrison  were  allowed  to  send 
letters  to  their  friends  at  Beaufort. 

Three  batteries  were  erected  for  the  reduction  of  the  fort.  The  first 
was  mounted  with  four  ten-inch  mortars,  and  was  built  under  cover 
of  a  large  sand-hill,  near  the  edge  of  the  marshes  which  line  the  norths- 
em  shore  of  the  island,  at  a  distance  of  about  1,400  yards  from  the  fort. 
This  battery  was  allotted  to  Lieutenant  Flagler,  and  manned  by  a  portion 
of  battery  I,  New  York  Third  artillery.  The  second  was  in  advance 
100  yards,  built  and  worked  by  Captains  Lewis  O.  Morris,  and  Lieu- 
tenants Gowan  and  Pollock.  Three  long  thirty-pound  siege  Parrott 
27 


418  rHK  WAR  FOB  THK  UNIOIf. 

guns,  rifled,  composed  its  annameTJt.  The  last  battery  consisted  of 
four  eiglit-inch  mortars.  It  stood  100  yards  in  advance  of  the  second 
battery,  and  Avas  placed  in  charge  of  Lieutenant  Pronty,  and  manned 
by  a  detachment  of  battery  I,  Third  New  York  artillery.  Kitie-pits 
and  trenches  were  also  excavated. 

On  the  24th  of  April,  the  preparations  having  been  completed,  Gen- 
eral Burnside  arrived  from  Newbern,  on  the  steamer  Alice  Price,  hav- 
ing in  tow  two  barges,  the  Schrapnel  and  Grenade,  fitted  up  as  floating 
batteries,  each  armed  with  two  thirty-pound  Parrott  guns.  The  Schrap- 
nel had  in  addition  a  twelve-pounder  rifled  Ward  gun.  They  anchored 
about  three  miles  below  the  fort. 

During  the  afternoon  a  flag  of  truce  was  sent  to  the  fort,  in  charge 
of  Captain  Biggs,  of  General  Burnside's  staff",  with  a  demand  for  its 
surrender.  Colonel  White  refused  to  yield  to  the  demand,  and  an- 
nounced his  purpose  to  defend  the  fort  to  the  last  extremity.  An 
understanding  was  obtained,  however,  that  the  commander  should  have 
a  personal  interview  with  General  Burnside  on  the  following  morning. 

Accordingly,  at  an  early  hour  on  the  25th,  the  steamer  Alice  Price, 
under  a  flag  of  truce,  proceeded  down  the  bay  to  a  point  previously 
indicated,  where  General  Burnside  was  soon  joined  by  Colonel  White. 
The  meeting  was  'courteous.  Colonel  White  said  that  he  had  been 
placed  in  command  of  the  fort  for  the  purpose  of  holding  it,  and  should 
defend  it  to  the  best  of  his  ability. 

On  the  following  morning,  the  26th,  the  Federal  forces  took  their 
respective  posts  at  an  early  hour.  The  morning  mists  had  not  yet  dis- 
appeared, when  orders  were  given  for  the  opening  of  the  siege,  and 
before  six  o'clock  the  loud  thunder  of  the  guns  and  the  deep  boom 
of  the  heavy  mortars  broke  on  the  ears  of  the  sleeping  citizens  of 
Beaufort,  and  roused  the  slumbering  garrison  of  the  belligerent  fort. 
Booming  loudly  over  the  waters,  and  rolling  away  in-the  distance,  the 
explosions  followed  in  rapid  succession  for  half  an  hour  before  the  gar- 
rison was  ready  to  respond.  When  prepared,  the  rebels  bravely  as- 
sumed their  allotted  positions,  manned  their  guns,  and  Fort  Macon 
opened  upon  the  national  flag. 

During  the  forenoon  the  eight-inch  mortar  battery  of  Lieutenant 
Prouty  sent  its  shells  with  regularity  and  precision  into  the  fort,. and 
at  each  explosion  the  red  dirt  and  sand  of  the  glacis'  slopes,  ramparts, 
parapets  and  terrepleins  were  dashed  in  a  cloud  many  feet  into  the  air. 
The  flagstaff*,  with  its  defiant  colors  floating  at  the  top,  was  at  times 
completely  obscured  in  the  smoke  and  dust  which  rose  with  the  burst- 
ing of  the  missiles.  The  ten-inch  mortar  battery  was  not  so  successful 
in  the  morning.  The  shells  from  it  burst  beyond  or  high  in  air  over 
the  fort,  scattering  the  fragments  of  iion  far  and  wide  into  the  water  ; 


CAPTURE   OF   FORT  HACOIT.  419 

but  in  the  afternoon  the  battery  played  with  an  effect  that  was  evi- 
#  denced  in  the  decreased  fire  from  the  fort. 

The  battery  of  Parrott  guns  under  command  of  Captain  Morris,  in 
the  mean  time,  kept  up  an  incessant  fire  upon  the  ramparts.  Tlie  diffi- 
culty of  obtaining  accurate  range  was  for  soiae  time  experienced,  and 
the  shots  either  went  over  the  fort,  ricocheting  across  the  water  towards 
Shackleford  Banks,  or  fell  short  and  buried  themselves  in  the  sand  and 
glacis  on  its  westerly  side.  But  the  range  grew  more  accurate  with 
every  shot,  and  from  twelve  o'clock  until  the  close  of  the  fight  Captain 
Morris  seldom  failed  to  plant  his  terrible  conical  balls  among  the  guns, 
on  the  edges  of  the  ramparts,  and  against  the  walls.  The  latter  were 
pierced  in  two  places,  the  balls  passing  through  into  the  casemates, 
from  which  their  unceremonious  visit  hastily  expelled  the  occupants. 
Wherever  these  shots  struck  they  tore  through  all  obstacles  with  a 
force  that  hurled  fragments  of  iron  and  brick,  stones,  grass-sods  and 
sands  bags  about  in  every  direction.  Many  of  the  rebels  were  knocked 
down  senseless  by  the  flying  sods.  When  it  is  considered  that  the 
walls  of  the  fort  wei-e  protected  by  the  slopes  of  the  glacis,  the  accu- 
racy of  the  firing  from  the  Parrott  battery  will  be  perceived.  That 
part  of  the  walls  just  protruding  above  the  ramparts  of  the  glacis  waa 
the  only  target  presented  whereat  to  aim  for  the  purpose  of  penetrat- 
ing the  casemates. 

About  two  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Major  Allen  went  out  with  a  flag  of  truce 
to  carry  letters  written  to  the  garrison  from  their  friends  in  Beaufort. 
Many  of  these  entreated  the  officers  to  prevail  upon  Colonel  White  to 
surrender  the  fort.  Some  ladies  in  Beaufort  set  on  foot  a  petition  to 
that  effect. 

The  precision  attained  by  the  practice  of  the  forenoon,  and  the  facili- 
ty of  loading  and  firing,  Avhich  even  the  experience  of  a  few  hours  had 
given,  were  now  evidenced  in  the  successful  results  of  each  shot  from 
the  Union  batteries.  The  scene  assumed  its  grandest  aspect  after  two 
o'clock.  '  A  flash  and  a  puff  of  smoke  betokened  a  discharge  ;  an  inter- 
val elapsed,  which  terminated  with  the  report  of  the  piece ;  then  came 
the  sonorous  hum  of  the  shell  as  it  flew  through  the  air ;  another  puff 
of  smoke  soon  followed  by  a  second  report,  and  the  deadly  missile  had 
exploded. 

With  glasses  every  manoeuvre  in  the  fort  could  be  distinctly  seen.  The 
look  out  was  esconced  behind  a  pile  of  sand  bags  upon  the  ramparts, 
and  spectators  fancied  they  could  hear  him  ejaculate  the  word  "Down !" 
as  he  marked  the  approach  of  every  shot.  Its  effect  was  like  magic.  As 
he  himself  disajtpeareJ,  down  out  of  sight  went  the  crowd  of  men  around 
the  guns,  to  reappear  again  when  the  shot  had  accomplished  its  errand. 

Little  remains  to  tell  of  the  bombardment.     The  garrison  had  at  first 


420  THE   WAR  FOR   THE   UNION. 

responded  with  some  seven  or  eight  guns,  exclu8i\'e  of  carronades,  which 
were  made  to  serve  the  purpose  of  mortars.  The  squads  of  gunners^ 
could  be  observed  passing  about,  alternating  with  the  pieces  as  they 
became  hot  under  the  discharges.  Gradually  the  fire  slackened  to  four, 
then  to  three,  and  then  to  two  guns.  The  Federal  shot  and  shell  were 
doing  their  duty,  and  subsequent  examination  showed  that  fifteen  guns 
were  dismounted  or  disabled  on  the  fort. 

To  those  who  worked  the  mortars  of  the  Federal  batteries,  the  mat-. 
ter  was  entirely  new,  and  to  Captain  Aramon's  men,  of  the  Third  New 
York  artillery,  the  greatest  praise  is  deserved  for  their  cool  and  unflinch- 
ing conduct  in  this  their  first  experience  under  fire.  The  exposed 
nature  of  Captain  Morris'  battery  of , siege  guns  drew  upon  it  almost 
tlo  concentrated  fire  of  the  fort,  and  shot  and  shell  rained  around  it. 
The  only  injury  sustained  by  the  battery  was  the  temporary  dismount- 
ing of  one  of  the  guns  by  a  thirty-two-pound  solid  shot,  which  came 
through  the  embrasure  and  carried  off  a  wheel.  Another  carriage  was 
^n  readiness,  and  the  gun  was  soon  remounted.  One  of  the  guns  was 
slightly  dented  by  a  solid  shot,  which  struck  the  reinforce  or  band 
around  the  breech,  and  then  glanced  off.  The  sand  bags  in  all  the  bat- 
teries were  disturbed  more  or  less  by  the  concussions,  and  the  embra- 
sures of  the  three-gun  battery  were  begrimed  and  black  with  powder. 
Eleven  hundred  shots  in  all  were  fired  on  the  Federal  side,  and  of  these 
five  hundred  and  sixty  struck  the  fort. 

The  firing  from  the  fort  gradually  slackened  as  the  guns  one  after 
another  became  disabled,  until  at  last  the  iron  thunderers  ceased  to  re- 
spond to  the  continuous  peals  of  the  Federal  batteries.  About  half-past  " 
four  o'clock  a  white  flag  was  run  up  over  one  of  the  guns,  dimly  seen 
through  the  smoke  that  had  just  before  issued  from  it  in  a  heavy  cloud. 
Not  long  after  two  ofiicers  left  the  fort,  bearing  a  flag  of  truce.  They 
advanced  towards  the  batteries,  and  Captain  Pell,  of  General  Bumside's 
staff,  and  Lieutenant  Hill,  of  General  Parke's  staff  went  out  to  meet 
them.  They  were  Captains  Pool  and  Guion,  with  a  message  from  Col. 
White,  asking  the  terms  of  surrender.  General  Parke  replied  that  ihe 
only  terms  were  unconditional  surrender,  but  that  he  would  communi- 
cate with  General  Burnside,  who  might  make  different  arrangements. 
The  inquiry  was  telegraphed  to  Beaufort,  and  a  messenger  was  sent  off 
to  General  Burnside,  who  was  on  board  the  Alice  Price,  some  distance 
up  the  river.  In  the  morning  General  Burnside  returned  to  the  harbor, 
and  had  an  interview  with  Colonel  White,  on  board  the  Alice  Price,  when 
the  terms  of  capitulation  were  agreed  upon.  The  fort,  armament  and 
garrison  were  to  be  surrendered  to  the  United  States,  the  oflScers  and 
men  being  relea^d  on  parol,  until  properly  exchanged,  returning  to  their 
homes  with  their  private  effects,  such  as  clothing,  bedding,  books,  etc. 


CAPTFEE    OF   FORT   MACON".  421 

Immerliately  after  the  return  of  Colonel  White  to  his  quarters,  pre- 
parations for  the  surrender  commenced.  After  a  little  interval  the  gates 
were  thrown  open  and  a  train  of  soldiers  marched  out,  and  forming  a 
square  on  the  green,  just  outside,  stood  a  few  moments  in  impressive 
stillness.  Then  they  formed  iii|p  line,  where  they  stacked  their  arms, 
and  returned  to  their  quarters. 

General  Burnside,  General  Parke,  and  Captains  Biggs  and  King 
directly  after  this  ceremony,  returned  from  the  fort,  and  the  Fifth  Rhode 
Island  being  ordered  into  line,  came  up.  General  Burnside  unfolded 
the  new  colors  presented  by  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  inscribed  with.- 
the  words  "  Roanoke  "  and  "  Newbern,"  which  had  been  just  received, ,. 
and  returned  them  to  the  color-bearer,  who  took  his  place  at  the  head 
of  the  column.  The  regiment  then  moved  forward  in  order,  to  take 
formal  possession  of  the  fort. 

The  time  had  at  last  come  for  the  great  event.  The  wharves  and 
houses  of  Beaufort  were  crowded  with  spectators.  The  surrounding 
waters  were  covered  with  small  craft,  hovering  near  the  scene.  The 
squadron  of  gunboats,  with  steam  up  and  colors  flying,  lay  off  and  on 
outside  the  bar.  At  half-past  ten  o'clock  a  squad  of  men  from  the  gar- 
rison, detailed  by  Colonel  White  for  the  purpose,  cut  loose  the  halliards 
and  hauled  down  the  rebel  flag.  Ten  minutes  later  four  of  the  Rhode 
Island  boys  hoisted  the  American  ensign,  the  glorious  stars  and  stripes,  - 
and  a  loud  cheer  broke  from  the  men,  which  was  caught  up  and  echoed 
by  the  sailors  on  ship-board,  and  even  by  the  citizens  over  the  harbor, 
in  Beaufort,  whose  shout  came  cheerily  on  the  breeze. 

The  Federal  fleet,  consisting , of  the  steamers  State  of  Georgia,  Chip- 
pewa, Daylight,  and  bark  Gemsbok,  under  command  of  Flag-officer 
S.  Lockwood,  took  an  active  part  in  the  bombardment  in  the  forenoon. 

The  destruction  effected  by  the  bombardment  was  like  that  at  Fort 
Pulaski.  The  works  outside  as  well  as  inside,  gave  incontestible  j^roof 
of  the  execution  of  the  heavy  projectiles  hurled  at  the  fort.  They  also 
showed  as  clearly  the  bravery  of  the  men  who  defended  it,  and  proved 
that  though  they  were  engaged  in  rebellion,  they  had  the  courage  and 
energy  of  heroic  soldiers. 

The  garrison  consisted  of  about  four  hundred  and  fifty  men,  exclusive 
of  the  officers.  There, were  found  in  the  fort  neai-ly  twenty  thousand 
pounds  of  powder,  shot  and  shell  in  proportion,  and  a  large  quantity  of 
provisions. 

The  rebel  loss  was  1  killed,  18  wounded;  Federal,  1  killed  and  3 
wounded. 


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424  THE  WAE  FOK  TlIK   imiON. 


SIEGE  or  YOEKTOWN,  VA. 

On  Sunday,  the  9th  of  March,  the  rebel  camps  at  Centreville,  Manas- 
sas and  vicinity  were  evacuated,  and  on  the  10th,  the  army  of  General 
McClellan  commenced  a  forward  movement  from  the  vicinity  of  Wash- 
ington toward  the  abandoned  works  of  Jjie  enemy.  On  the  same  day 
a  portion  of  General  Kearney's  forces  reached  Centreville,  and  Federal 
scouts  had  explored  the  deserted  works  at  Manassas  Junction.  The 
enemy  continued  their  retreat  on  the  line  of  the  Orange  railroad, 
burning  the  bridges,  and  destroying  the  railroad  property  on  their 
route. 

On  th*  14th,  General  McClellan  issued  an  address  to  the  army  from  his 
headquarters  at  Fairfax  Court-IIouse,  complimenting  the  men  on  their 
discipline,  equipment,  and  patience  during  the  long  delay  incident  to 
the  work  of  preparation.  They  were  now  to  be  brought  face  to  face 
with  the  enemy,  and  he  besought  the  army  to  place  perfect  trust  in  him, 
though  his  plans  of  action  might  seem  at  times  unaccountable. 

The  cheering  news  of  the  capture  of  New  Madrid,  the  evacuation  of 
Columbus,  and  the  victory  at  Pea  Ridge,  now  filled  all  loyal  hearts  with 
enthusiasm ;  and  it  was  fully  believed  that  the  army  of  the  Potomac 
was  on  the  direct  route  to  Richmond,  destined  to  give  the  death-blow 
to  the  rebellion  before  the  month  of»April  should  open.  Will  the  rebels 
make  a  stand  ?  asked  many  a  confident  Unionist,  hopeful  that  the  pres- 
tige of  MoClellan's  splendid  anny  would  compel  the  enemy  to  retire 
from  point  to  point  without  risking  a  battle. 

The  month  of  March  passed ; — and  while  the  public  mind  was  ani- 
mated with  the  most  cheering  details  of  the  western  victories — the 
capture  of  Newborn,  and  the  defeat  of  the  enemy  at  Winchester,  the 
great  army  of  the  Potomac  appeared  for  the  time  to  have  passed  from 
recollection.  The  Government  censorship  restrained  the  publication  of 
any  reports  of  McClellan's  movements,  and  the  people,  left  entirely  to 
■fcpe  and  conjecture,  were  sanguine  in  anticipation  of  the  speedy  pos- 
session of  the  Confederate  capital. 

Late  in  the  month,  rumors  reached  the  northern  cities  of  the  arrival 
of  forces  at  Old  Point,  on  the  James  river,  twenty  miles  from  Norfolk, 
which  were  supposed  by  the  Richmond  papers  to  be  reinforcements  for 
Burnside.  Again  curiosity  was  awakened  by  the  immense  number  of 
transports  called  for  and  chartered  by  the  Government,  daily  arriving 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Chesapeake.  On  the  26th,  Great  Bethel  was  taken 
possession  of  by  the  Federal  troops,  and  on  the  29th  a  reconnoissance 
in  force  was  made  toward  Yorktown  It  was  now  generally  known 
that  the  large  army  under  Geaeral  McClellan  had  been  conveyed  by 


SIEGB   OP   TOKKTOWIT.  426 

transports  to  Old  Point,  and  was  marching  to  attack  the  rebel  entrench- 
ments at  Yorktown,  the  key  of  the  Peninsula. 

On  the  5th  of  April,  General  McClellan's  dispatch  to  the  Secretary 
of  "War,  announced  that  his  army  had  that  day  arrived  in  front  of  the 
enemy's  works,  having  met  with  but  slight  opposition  on  its  route. 

During  this  period  the  weather  was  unfavorable  for  military  opera- 
tions. Ileavy  storm-clouds  frowned  inauspiciously  on  the  approaching 
army,  rain  fell  almost  daily  in  torrents,  and  this  at  a  time  when  there 
could  be  no  adequate  provision  for  shelter. 

The  Federal  army  was  now  destined  to  undergo  an  experience  of 
toil  and  privations  calculated  to  try  its  endurance  to  the  utmost. 

Solid  roads  were  absolutely  necessary  for  transportation  from  the 
landings  to  the  various  encampments,  as  it  was  impossible  to  draw  the 
inmiense  siege  and  supply  trains  over  or  through  the  soft  alluvial  mire 
formed  by  the  unremitting  rains,  while  the  creeks  and  water  courses 
were  swollen  into  torrents.  Skirmishing  was  of  daily  occurrence — for 
the  enemy  neglected  no  opportunity  to  annoy  their  formidable  oppo- 
nents, while  the  Federal  army  found  it  necessary  to  push  its  advances 
within  commanding  reach  of  the  rebel  entrenchments,  which  stretched 
from  the  York  to  the  James  rivers,  a  distance  of  six  miles.  The  rebel 
earthworks  were  ponderously  built — some  of  them  of  a  height  and 
thickness  hitherto  unparalleled  in  any  war. 

The  Union  soldiery  toiled  incessantly  in  the  trenches,  while  covering 
parties,  with  efficient  batteries,  stood  guard  in  their  defenre,  and  daily 
sacrificed  some  of  their  brave  numbers  while  protecting  their  toiling 
comrades. 

The  labors  of  the  Federal  army  soon  became  apparent.  Formi- 
dable earthworks  began  to  show  their  heads,  and  artillery  of  the 
largest  calibre  was  put  in  position.  The  rebel  generals  were  struck 
with  astonishment  and  dismay  when  the  evidences  of  engineering 
skill  hitherto  unsuspected,  stood  revealed  before  them. 

On  the  jpther  hand,  every  day  more  fully  revi-aled  the  extensive  and 
intricate  line  of  the  rebel  defences.  Their  strength  in  forts,  lunettes  and 
rifle  pits — their  constantly  increasing  numbers,  and  untii'ing  activity,  with 
their  accurate  knowledge  of  the  topography  of  the  country,  increased  the 
magnitude  of  the  work  before  the  Federal  army.  The  natural  obstacles 
to  its  progress  were  by  no  means  few  or  trifling.  The  sinuous  windings 
of  the  line  of  attack  they  were  obliged  to  assume — the  innumerable 
gwamps  and  pools  of  water  confronting  them  on  every  side,  the  almost 
impenetrable  forests  and  tangled  undergrowth  added  to  their  labors 
and  their  sufferings.  Cold  and  shivering  under  garnlents  saturated 
anew  by  the  rains  of  to-day,  ere  those  of  yesteiday  had  been  vaporized, 
the  soldiers  endured  the  pangs  of  hunger  and  fatigue  unappalled.    In 


426  THE   WAR   FOR   THE   UNION. 

view  of  tlie  terrific  struggle  before  them,  bnnian  suffering  countcJ  for 
nothing  with  these  brave  men.  No  signs  of  discontent  were  manifest. 
Even  in  their  hardest  trials  the  utmost  chcerfnlness  prevailed ;  .ind  in 
more  remote  positions,  where  a  less  rigid  discipline  was  enforced,  , 
the  patriotic  strains  of  "  The  Star  Spangled  Banner "  and  the  "  Red, 
White  and  Blue,"  were  heard  ringing  up  through  the  stofm.  Not 
unfrequently,  with  faces  turned  toward  the  patriot  homes  from  whence 
they  came,  would  they  sing  "  Do  they  Miss  me  at  Home  ?  "  or  "  Let  me 
Kiss  him  for  his  Mother  " — while  they  breathed  the  silent  prayer  that, 
through  the  imcertainties  of  war,  they  might  be  permitted  again  to 
mingle  with  their  friends  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  bravely  won  peace. 

Daily  would  some  adventurous  band  -of  Federal  soldiers  explore  the 
intricacies  of  the  rebel  defences,  coming  constantly  in  collision  with  the 
enemy.  In  these  adventures  the  new  and  efficient  regiments  of  sharp- 
shooters, just  introduced  into  the  United  States  army,  rendered  valuable 
service. 

A  month  before  the  Union  army  invested  Yorktown,  the  iron  bat- 
tery Merrimac  had  made  her  advent  in  Hampton  Roads,  and  after 
destroying  the  noble  old  frigates  Cumberland  and  Congress — the  pride 
of  a  past  era — she  met  the  Monitor,  her  conqueror  and  the  nation's  cham- 
pion. The  combat  that  ensued  has  stamped  a  glorious  page  on  the 
world's  history  for  all  time.  Like  Lucifer  in  his  fall,  the  rebel  monster 
shrank  with  "  despairing,  cursing  rage  "  behind  the  batteries  at  York- 
town,  while  the  terrors  of  her  exploits,  and  rejoicings  at  her  defeat, 
quickened  the  nation's  heart-pulses  from  Maine  to  Maryland. 

The  noble  Minnesota,  resting  in  calm  and  majestic  repose*  on  the 
waters  of  the  Chesapeake,  hitherto  would  have  acknoAvledged  no  superior 
in  a  naval  combat.  An  exposure  for  two  hours  to  the  heavy  guns  of 
the  Merrimac,  which  pierced  her  wooden  walls  with  shot  and  shell, 
while  her  own  missiles  were  ineffective  as  pebbles  on  the  scales  of  the 
leviathan,  destroyed  her  prestige  and  her  pride  of  strength. 

An  eflicient  fleet  of  gunboats  had  been  ordered  to  act  in  conjunction 
with  ^IcClellan's  forces  in  the  reduction  of  Yorktown ;  but  the  presence 
of  the  Merrimac  no  doubt  frustrated  their  plans.  On  the  15th  of  April 
several  of  the  gunboats  commenced  shelling  the  woods  below  Glouces- 
ter. One  boat  approaching  within  two  miles  of  Yorktown,  brought 
her  guns  to  bear  on  that  place,  until  driven  off  by  the  rebel  batteries. 

About  the  same  time  a  portion  of  the  Potomac  flotilla  ascended  the 
Rappahannock,  meeting  with  but  slight  opposition,  visiting  the  towns 
of  Urbana  and  Tappahaimock,  and  destroying  the  enemy's  batteries  and 
huts  at  Lowry's  Point 


BATTLE   OF  LEE's   MILLS.  42  Y 

BATTLE    OF    LEE'S    MILLS,  VA. 

April  16,  1862. 

Tlie  defence  of  Yorktowa  prompted  the  rebel  chiefs  to  project  a  line 
of  batteries  and  earthworks  across  the  peninsula  which  has  been  render- 
ed so  prominent  in  historic  interest  by  the  series  of  important  events  that 
have  occui'red  between  Richmond  and  Fortress  Monroe.  In  the  course 
of  com])leting  this  line,  a  battery  was  commenced  at  a  point  on  the 
"Warwick  road,  on  the  estate  of  Mrs.  Garrow,  between  Lee's  Mills  and 
Winn's  Mills.  There  is  here  an  extensive  field,  with  woods  to  the  right 
and  left,  and  in  the  rear  of  the  road.  In  front,  at  the  foot  of  a  gradually 
descending  slope,  is  a  branch  of  the  Warwick  river.  The  stream  had 
been  dammed  up  between  these  mills,  the  water  covering  a  breadth  of 
from  thirty  to  forty  rods,  and  in  the  deepest  parts  about  four  and  a  half 
feet  deep.  On  the  bank  was  a  rifle-pit,  and  above  it,  on  the  hill,  breast- 
works, with  their  embrasures  for  guns,  frowned  upon  the  water. 

The  arrest  of  this  work,  and  the  expulsion  of  the  rebels,  became  ne- 
cessary, in  order  to  prevent  the  completion  of  what  might  have  become 
a  formidable  obstacle.  Accordingly,  on  the  morning  of  the  16th,  a  party 
of  skirmisJiers  frbm  the  Fourth  Vermont  was  thrown  out,  and  took  a 
position  near  the  enemy's  one  gun  battery,  at  the  point  named,  a  New 
York  battery  being  also  advanced  at  the  same  time.  Opposite  the 
enemy's  works  at  that  place  there  was  a  consideraljle  space  clear  of 
large  wood,  overgrown  with  low  shrubs  and  young  pine,  and  surround- 
ed in  every  direction  except  towards  the  enemy  by  a  dense  forest. 
Warwick  Creek — from  four  to  five  feet  deep  and  about  twenty  rods 
wide — separated  this  field  from  the  rebel  battery.  Through  the  low 
shrubs  and  young  pine  the  Vermonters  made  their  way  up  to  the 
edge  of  the  stream,  and  poured  upon  the  enemy  a  storm  of  rifle  shot 
that  he  soon  found  it  impossible  to  withstand.  After  a  few  moments 
of  this  fire  not  a  man  was  to  be  seen  within  the  enemy's  lines. 

Two  pieces  of  the  battery — ten-pound  Parrots,  under  Lieutenant 
Flynn — then  took  up  a  position  in  the  edge  of  the  wood,  at  one  thou- 
sand yards  from  the  enemy's  line,  and  opened  fire.  Then  the  enemy 
came  bravely  up  to  the  business,  and  responded  with  the  .large  gun  in 
his  one  gun  battery,  and  with  two  otl^ers  in  a  battery  behind  it.  Lieu- 
tenant Stewart,  with  the  second  section  of  the  same  battery — two 
twelve-[,ound  Napoleon  guns — was  ordered  up,  with  the  left  section, 
under  Lieutenant  O'Donald.  With  this  reinforcement  the  fire  became 
heavy  between  the  artillery  on  both  sides ;  the  Union  skirmishers  and 
numbers  of  the  enemy's  skirmishers  also  pouring  in  their  fire  whenever 
they  saw  an  opportunity. 


428  THE   WAB   FOE   THE   UNION. 

At  about  ten  a.  m.,  after  nearly  two  hours'  sharp  firing,  the  enemy 
ceased  to  respond,  not,  it  was  thought,  because  his  guns  had  been  dis- 
abled, but  because  the  Union  riflemen  held  his  position  so  entirely  under 
fire  that  it  was  almost  certain  death  for  his  men  to  be  seen. 

It  was  now  deemed  necessary  to  ascertain  the  enemy's  force  at  this 
point  and  his  disposition  to  fight.  Upon  consultation  between  General 
McClellan  and  two  division  commanders,  it  was  determined  to  make  a 
more  decided  demonstration  of  attack,  and,  accordingly,  between  three 
and  four  p.  m.,  three  batteries  were  ordered  forward  into  the  exposed 
field,  and  opened  fire  at  about  five  hundred  yards.  This  woke  the  en- 
emy up ;  he  responded  warmly  for  twenty  minutes,  and  once  more  re- 
lapsed into  silence.  In  no  way  deceived  by  this,  the  three  batteries 
continued  to  play  upon  his  position  for  some  minutes  longer,  when  word 
was  brought  to  the  General  of  the  Vermont  brigade  that  the  creek  was 
easily  fordable,  at  some  distance  to  the  right,  and  Colonel  Hyde,  in  com- 
mand of  four  companies  of  the  Vermont  Third,  who  had  skirmished  in 
advance,  was  ordered  to  send  two  of  his  companies  across  the  creek  at 
the  point  where  it  was  said  to  be  only  knee-deep,  advance  them  to  the 
enemy's  left,  and  charge  the  work  in  rear.  He  accordingly  sent  across 
companies  D  and  F,  and  supported  them  very  closely  with  companies 
E  and  K.  Meanwhile  the  Federal  batteries  became  silent.  No  sooner 
were  the  Vermonters  in  the  stream  than  the  water  was  found  to  be 
much  deeper  than  had  been  stated ;  the  men  went  up  to  their  arm-pits, 
and  every  charge  ©f  their  ammunition,  was,  of  course,  thoroughly  soakedr 
This  attempt  was  made  below  the  dam,  and  the  enemy,  when  he  saw 
their  intention  to  cross,  let  in  more  water  upon  them  by  a  floodgate. 

While  the  men  were  in  the  stream,  a  large  body  of  the  enemy,  esti- 
mated at  three  regiments,  opened  upon  them  from  a  rifle-pit  on  the 
bank,  and  this  terrible  fire  cut  down  nearly  half  their  number.  Never 
was  a  fire  received  with  greater  steadiness  or  more  glorious  intrepidity. 
Except  the  poor  fellows  who  had  been  killed  or  wounded,  not  a  man  of 
the  magnificent  Vermonters  wavered,  but  all  pushed  on,  and  with  one 
shout  leaped  to  the  bank,  rushed  upon  the  enemy  with  their  bayonets, 
and  fairly  drove  them  in  utter  rout  and  confusion.  But  the  con- 
test was  too  unequal.  No  supports  were  within  proper  distance ;  and 
though  the  enemy  was  driven  away  from  the  first  line  of  pits,  and  the 
other  two  companies  of  the  Third  were  in  the  water  to  cross,  those  on 
the  other  side  were  ordered  to  retreat. 

After  the  remnant  of  these  companies  returned,  the  Union  batteries, 
which  had  in  the  mean  time  ceased  firing,  opened  in  full  force  again. 
Then  the  Sixth  Vermont  regiment  was  ordered  to  storm  the  work  by 
the  left  flank. 

Led  by  their  gallant  Colonel  Lord,  they  rushed  into  the  water.   Seven 


CAPTURB   OF   NEW   ORLEAITS.  429 

companies  had  entered,  and  some  had  reached  within  three  yards  of  the 
breastwork,  when  they  were  met  by  the  fire  of  a  long  line  of  -ebel  rifles, 
which  appeared  above  the  parapets.  A  running  fire  from  h  thousand 
small  arms  was  poured  upon  the  Union  men,  who  stood  three  feet  deep 
in  water.  It  was  returned  as  gallantly  as  the  circumstances  would  war- 
rant. The  breastwork  was  lighted  up  with  a  continuous  sheet  of  flame, 
the  artillery  belched  away  at  the  enemy,  shells  were  bursting  over  their 
breastworks,  the  smoke  of  the  battle  was  ascending,  and  for  a  few  mo- 
ments the  scene  was  one  of  appalling  grandeur.  Not  a  man  flinched, 
and  the  fire  of  the  enemy  was  returned  with  deadly  effect.  Wherever 
a  head  appeared  above  the  parapet  it  became  the  mark  for  a  hundred 
guns.  Finding  that  rebel  reinforcements  were  still  advancing,  and 
despairing  of  a  successful  assault  with  the  bayonet,  Colonel  L#rd  retired 
with  his  men,  who  brought  most  of  their  wounded  comrades  away  with 
them. 

The  loss  of  the  Federals  in  this  engagement  was  between  thirty  and 
forty  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  wounded  and  missing. 
The  object  of  the  demonstration  was  fully  accomplished,  the  rebels 
being  compelled  to  relinquish  their  work,  and  abandon  it  as  a  defensive 
position.  Their  loss  was  not  ascertained,  but  it  must  have  been  very 
considerable,  their  number  being  large,  and  the  firing  of  the  Federal 
gunners  fatally  precise.  Captain  Wheeler  reported  that  he  fired  313 
shots,  126  of  which  were  case  shot,  the  remainder  shell.  Ayers'  and 
Kennedy's  batteries  threw  about  450,  and  Captain  Mott  reported  954, 
making  more  than  1,700  shot  and  shell  hurled  upon  the  rebels.  The 
behavior  of  the  Federal  troops  was  excellent,  and  the  event  of  the  day 
successful,  although  the  object  was  dearly  purchased. 


OAPTUEE   OP   NEW   OELEANS. 

BOMBAJRDMENT   OF   FORTS    JACKSON   AND   ST.   PHILIP. 
April  18-2G,  1862. 

The  work  of  opening  the  Mississippi  river,  which  had  been  so  mag- 
nificently commenced  and  prosecuted  by  that  portion  of  the  army  and 
fleet  above  Memphis,  was  destined  to  find  an  equally  imposing,  if  not 
more  brilliant  counterpart,  in  the  naval  operations  near  the  city  of  New 
Orleans,  once  more  to  open  that  important  commercial  point  to  the 
world,  and  restore  its  iitizens  to  the  protection  of  the  national  flag.  As 
an  important  auxiliary  to  this  grand  enterprise,  a  fleet  of  mortar-boats 
was  fitted  out  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  and  other  places,  which  formed  a  ren- 
dezvous at  Ship  Island,  awaiting  orders.  Commodore  David  D.  Por- 
ter was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  mortar  fleet.    The  entire  fleet, 


M    E  X  I  C  0 


SECTION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI  RIVER. 
snowLva    tus    distances    below   nkw    ozlkass. 


CAPTUBE  OF  NEW  ORLEANS.  431 

under  tlie  command  of  Commodore  D.  G.  Farragut,  was  composed  as 
follows : 

First  Division  of  S/iips^  Flag-officer  D.  G.  FARnAOUT,  commanding — 
Hartford,  K.  Wainright ;  BrookljTi,  Craven  ;  Richmond,  Aklen. 

Second  Division  of  Ships — Pensacola,  Morris;  Portsmouth,  Swart* 
wout ;  Mississippi,  Smith. 

First  Division  of  Qunhoats^  Captain  T.  Bailey  —  Oneida,  Lee;  Va- 
runa,  Boggs ;  Katahdin,  Preble ;  Kineo,  Ransom ;  Wissahickon,  Smith ; 
Cayuga,  Ilan-ison. 

Second  Division  of,  Gunboats,  II.  II.  Bell — Iroquis,  De  Camp  ;  Sciota, 
Donaldson ;  Kennebeck,  Russell ;  Pinola,  Crosby ;  Itasca,  Cauldwell ; 
Winona,  Nichols.-  Total,  18. 

The  mortar  floti^a  consisted  of  twenty-one  brigs  and  schooners,  and 
was  divided  into  three  squadrons  of  seven  each.  Besides  these,  five 
steamers,  the  Harriet  Lane,  (flag-ship,)  Miami,  Owasco,  Westfield,  and 
CUfton,  were  connected  with  the  mortar  flotilla,  and  these  were  after- 
wards joined  by  the  Octorora,  a  new  boat,  commanded  by  Captain 
George  Bro'wn,  of  Indiana,  which  afterwards  became  Porter's  flag-ship. 

The  entire  fleet,  thus  constituted,  numbered  forty-six  vessels,  carrying 
two  hundred  and  eighty-six  gims.  On  the  morning  of  April  IGth,  it 
made  a  rendezvous  in  the  river,  at  a  distance  of  about  four  miles  be- 
low Forts  Jackson  and  St.  Philip,  the  two  formidable  fortifications  on 
the  river,  which  it  was  necessary  to  pass  before  reaching  the  city  of  Xew 
Orleans.  On  the  morning  of  the  16th,  Commodore  Porter  br^/ught  up 
8(;veral  schooners,  and  stationed  them  about  two  miles  and  a  half  from 
the  forts,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  range  of  the  mortars  before  opening 
the  bombardment.  After  several  hours  of  practice,  in  which  the  rangb 
•was  admirably  obtained,  and  the  execution  on  the  works  was  plainly- 
visible.  Commodore  Porter  expressed  himself  fully  satisfied,  and  sus- 
pended operations  for  the  night. 

Fort  Jackson,  which  is  by  far  the  stronger  work,  is  a  regular  pentago-  • 
nal  bastioned  fortification,  having  two  fronts  bearing  on  the  river,  and 
three  on  the  land  side.  The  land  fronts  have  each  a  glacis  and  covered 
way,  and  the  channel  i?  commanded  by  a  battery  of  twenty-five  guns. 
A  wet  ditch,  from  forty  to  seventy  feet  wide,  and  six  feet  deep,  sui'- 
rounds  the  main  work  on  the  river,  and  a  similar  ditch,  one  hundred 
and  fifty  feet  wide,  the  land  fronts.  There  is  also  a  wet  ditch,  six  feet 
deep,  and  thirty  feet  wide,  around  the  channel-bearing  battery.  The 
tAvo  channel-bearing  fronts  have  each  eight  casemated  guns,  which  are 
the  only  casemated  ones  in  the  work.  The  ditches  are  defended  by 
twenty-four-pounder  howitzers  at  either  flank.  The  parapet  is  canied 
aci  OSS  the  gorge  of  the  bastion,  so  that  there  is  no  flank  parapet  de- 
fence.   The  bastions  are  only  arranged  for  musketry  fire  from  the 


432  THE  WAR  FOR  THE  UlflOX. 

"walls.  The  main  work  of  the  lower  battery  mounts  in  the  aggregate 
one  hundred  and  twenty-five  guns,  of  which  one  hundred  bear  on  the 
channel.  There  was  a  one-story  brick  citadel  within  the  fort,  having 
two  tiers  of  loop-holes  for  musketry  defence,  the  walls  of  which  are 
five  feet  thick.  The  entrance  to  the  work  is  by  a  wooden  bridge  on 
the  west  side,  connected  with  a  draw  bridge  ten  feet  wide. 

Fort  St.  Philip  consists  of  a  main  work  and  two  attached  batteries, 
which  bear  respectively  up  and  down  the  river.  The  principal  work  is 
irregular  in  form,  having  seventeen  faces.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  wet 
ditch  six  feet  deep,  and  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet  wide.  At  the  foot 
of  the  glacis  is  a  ditch  from  seventy  to  one  hundred  and  forty  feet 
wide.  There  is  a  glacis  and  covered  way  entirely  around  the  fort. 
Outside  of  the  principal  ditch  is  another,  which  was  dug  to  furnish 
earth  for  the  levee,  and  this  is  twenty  feet  wide,  and  four  feet  deep. 
-Fort  St.  Philip  mounts  one  hundred  guns,  of  which  seventy-five  bear 
on  the  channel.  All  the  guns  were  mounted  en  barbette.  The  scarp 
works  were  strengthened  by  relief  arches,  which  were  pierced  with 
loop-holes  for  musketry. 

Both  forts  are  built  of  brick.  The  guns  of  Fort  Jackson  are  twenty 
five  feet  above  the  level  of  the  river,  and  those  of  St.  Philip  nineteen 
feet.  The.  guns  of  the  outer  batteries  of  both  forts  are  fourteen  feet 
above  the  river.  "When  the  rebels  took,  possession  of  these  forts  there 
were  only  thirty-six  guns  mounted,  none  of  which  were  of  larger  cali- 
bre thaw  thirty-two-pounders.  All  the  carriages  were  poor.  The  plans 
for  completing  these  forts  Avere  taken  from  the  Custom-house  at  New 
Orleans,  just  after  the  rebellion  broke  out,  and  the  works  were  finished 
in  accordance* with  the  original  intention.  From  centre  to  centre  of 
the  forts  the  distance  is  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  and  the  river  betw^een 
them  half  a  mile  in  width. 

On  the  17th  the  rebels  commemjed  their  defence  against  the  Federal 
fleet,  by  sending  down  the  stream  a  fire-raft.  This  incendiary  messen- 
ger was  a  common  flat-boat,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  long,  fifty 
broad  and  eight  deep,  filled  with  pine  knots  and  other  combustible 
matlfer,  which  burned  fiercely,  and  sent  a  dense  column  of  black  smoke 
rolling  heavily  upwards  as  it  was  borne  along  by  a  fresh  breeze  that 
blew  up  the  river.  As  soon  as  the  raft  floated  near  enough  it  was  fired 
into  and  destroyed,  without  damage  to  the  fleet,  and  then  ran  ashore. 
It  was  a  timely  warning  to  the  squadron,  for  during  the  day  the  vessels 
were  fitted  up  with  grapnel-ropes,  fire-buckets,  axes  and  other  appli- 
ances with  which  to  attack  other  of  these  fiery  islands  that  might  be 
Bet  adrift  by  the  enemy. 

The  arrangements  were  scarcely  completed,  and  the  review  made, 
when,  about  ten  o'clock  at  night,  a  brilliant  fire  appeared  on  the  river, 


CAPTURE   OP   NEW    ORLEANS.  433 

flaming  out  from  a  heavy  dense  column  of  smoke,  which  rolled  up  and 
displayed  another  of  the  fiery  pioneers  of  the  rebel  flotilla  lying  near  the 
forts.  It  burned  magnificently,  and  made  a  splendid  pyrotechnic  dis- 
play for  the  sailors,  who  were  waiting  impatiently  to  reach  the  grand 
magazine  whence  it  issued.  Signals  were  made,  and  in  a  few  moments 
a  vast  crowd  of  boats  were  launched  upon  the  waters  and  moved 
rapidly  toward  the  island  of  fire.  The  Westfield  came  plowing  her  way 
up  and  plunged  her  prow  into  the  blazing  mass,  at  the  same  moment  open- 
ing her  steam-pipes  and  pouring  a  heavy  force  of  water  into  the  hottest 
of  the  conflagration.  Amid  the  steam  and  smoke  and  seething  struggle 
of  the  flames,  the  men  leaped  upon  the  raft  with  their  buckets,  and  com- 
pletely extinguished  the  fire.  Then  the  blackened  and  smoking  mass 
of  logs  was  sent  contemptuously  adrift  to  follow  its  companion. 

The  sailors  of  the  mortar  fleet  enjoyed  this  amusement  with  the 
greatest  zest,  and  pursued  their  work  among  the  logs  with  laughter  and 
enthusiastic  cheering.  When  the  floating  monster  had  been  sent  black- 
ened and  smoking  down  the  river,  they  retired  to  their  various  boats 
and  slept  soundly  in  preparation  for  the  contest  of  the  following  day. 

On  the  mortar  fleet  a  portion  of  the  day  was  given  to  the  very  singu- 
lar duty  of  disguising  the  vessels.  Large  quantities  of  branches  were 
cut  from  the  forest  trees  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  which  were  bound 
with  all  their  fresh  leaves  to  the  masts,  rigging,  and  around  the  hulls. 
This  was  so  adroitly  done  that  from  the  distance  it  was  impossible  to 
distinguish  the  fleet  from  the  groups  of  trees  on  the  banks,  thus  con- 
cealing the  position  of  the  vessels  entirely  from  the  enemy. 

On  the  following  morning.  Good  Friday,  April  18th,  at  early  dawn, 
the  towing  vessels  of  Commodore  Porter's  fleet  took  each  five  mortar 
boats,  and  proceeded  up  the  river  to  their  fighting  station.  The  fleet 
thus  in  motion  presented  a  splendid  spectacle — the  noble  steamers  lead- 
ing a  group  of  vessels,  each  embowered  in  green,  as  though  some  oasis 
of  lofty  trees  had  migrated  from  their  forest  home  and  were  on  an 
excursion  to  a  distant  shore.  The  lai'ger  number  were  anchored  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  river,  while  five  were  put  in  position  on  the  left  bank. 

At  nine  o'clock  precisely,  and  before  all  the  mortar  boats  had  taken 
their  position,  the  rebels  opened  fire.  It  was  instantly  returned  by  the 
mortars,  and  the  grandest  naval  engagement  of  the  war,  and  one  of 
the  most  memorable  bombardments  in  the  history  of  the  world  com- 
menced. 

For  some  time  the  fire  of  the  forts  fell  short  of  the  range,  but  after 
about  an  hour  their  shot  passed  over  the  vessels  and  fell  harmless  be- 
yond the  fleet.  The  mortar  practice  for  the  first  half  hour  exhibited  a 
similar  defect,  but  the  range  was  then  obtained,  and  the  bombs  fell 
thick  and  fast  over  and  around  the  entrenched  foe.  At  ten  o'clock  the 
28 


434  THE   WAU   FOE  THE   UNIOK. 

Iroquois,  Cayuga,  Sciota  and  Wissahickon  opened  upon  the  forts  with 
their  11-inch  shells  and  fifteen-second  fuses. 

The  scene  now  became  one  of  thrilling  grandeur.  The  loud  roar 
of  the  mortars  as  they  hurled  their  immense  projectiles  into  the  air, 
the  quick  succession  of  guns  from  the  war-ships,  and  the  rapid  dis- 
charges from  the  forts  in  reply ;  the  flashes  of  fire,  the  clouds  of  smoke, 
as  they  rolled  blackly  together,  filling  the  air,  and  the  shells  flying  up 
to  a  great  altitude,  then  pencilling  their  arching  line  against  the  blue 
sky  as  they  sped  to  their  mark,  passing  and  repassing  in  almost  mo- 
mentary rapidity,  presented  a  spectacle  awfully  sublime.  At  times 
eight  or  ten  of  the  destructive  missiles  were  to  be. seen  rushing  away 
on  their  errands  of  death  and  destruction  at  the  same  moment,  some- 
times exploding  and  scattering  the  fragments  in  wide  circles  over  the 
water,  throwing  it  up  in  vast  silver  columns,  or  on  the  shore  plowing 
up  the  earth  and  sending  soil  and  foliage  in  thick  masses  high  in  the  air. 

The  rebels  diversified  their  operations  during  the  day  by  again  send- 
ing two  immense  fire-rafts  down  the  river,  which  would  have  occasioned 
inuch  confusion  among  the  fleet,  but  for  the  precautions  already  taken, 
and  the  previous  experience  of  the  sailors  in  the  reception  of  these  pyro- 
technic visitors.  The  sailors  not  employed  at  the  guns  were  allowed  to 
witness  the  contest  from  the  yards  and  rigging  of  the  vessels.  As  soon 
as  the  rafts  appeared  they  were  called  down  from  their  places,  manned 
the  boats,  and  soon  piloted  these  burning  islands  to  the  shore,  where 
they  Mere  left  to  smoulder  away  for  the  entertainment  of  the  fleet. 
These  rafts  were  now  regarded  as  a  side-play.  At  six  o'clock  Fort 
Jackson  was  reported  to  be  on  fire,  and  at  half-past  six  the  Harriet 
Lane  signalled  the  mortar  boats  to  cease  firing.  Two  of  these  boats 
were  struck  during  the  day.  The  cabin  of  one  was  destroyed  by  a 
shot,  and  a  ball  plunged  through  the  magazine  of  another  which  sent 
her  out  of  the  action  for  an  hour  in  order  to  make  repairs.  The  men 
on  board  had  been  exhausted  by  their  heavy  labors,  and  when  the  night 
came  they  wore  heartily  glad  to  rest. 

A  morning  of  serene  beauty  dawned  upon  the  fleet,  with  a  light  south- 
east wind,  that  gradually  increased  in  volume  till  about  ten  o'clock. 
Notwithstanding  the  breeze,  the  sun  was  warm,  and  the  heat  some- 
times oppressive.  At  half-past  six  the  mortar  boats  opened  the  bom- 
bardment. The  fire  at  first  was  slow,  and  the  vessels  which  were  on 
tie  left  bank  of  the  river  the  day  before,  were  placed  in  position  on  the 
other  bank  near  the  anchorage.  At  seven  o'clock  the  gunboats  Oneida, 
Pinola  and  Sciota  were  sent  up  to  support  and  cover  the  mortar  vessels, 
while  the  Wissahickon  and  Cayuga  were  relieved — having  been  on  duty 
twenty-four  hours.  As  soon  as  these  vessels  had  opened  tire.  Fort  Jack- 
sou  replied  from  her  casemate  guns,  and  kept  up  a  very  heavy  tire. 


CAPTUKE    OP   NEW    ORLEAXS.  435 

At  lifilf-past  eleven  o'clock  a  rifle  shot  went  tl»ronn;h  the  schooner 
Maria  J.  Carlton,  and  she  sunk  in  about  twenty  minutes.  Everytliing 
was  saved  from  her  except  the  raortar,  and  only  two  or  three  men  were 
injnred  slightly  by  splinters. 

Just  after  the  sinking  of  the  M.  J.  Carlton  the  gunboats  Itasca  and 
Kineo  were  ordered  into  close  action,  the  Owasco  being  sent  up  by 
Captain  Porter  to  assist.  The  firing  noAV  was  frequent  and  terrific. 
Each  moment  it  seemed  as  if  some  one  of  the  boats  must  be  sunk.  The 
Oneida  attracted  much  attention  by  her  coolness  and  her  heavy  fjre. 
At  two  o'clock  she  Ayas  struck  twice,  one  ten-inch  solid  shot  from  a 
Columbiad  striking  a  thirty-two  pounder  gun  carriage  and  knocking  oif 
one  of  the  trucks,  and  passing  out  of  the  ship  on  the  port  side.  Shortly 
afterwards  another  shot  of  the  same  description  hit  the  forward  part  of 
the  starboard  after  port,  striking  the  carriage  of  an  eleven-inch  pivot 
gun  and  then  lodging  on  deck.  This  shot  wounded  nine  men,  but  none 
mortally.  One  poor  fellow  lost  his  left  hand.  '  The  pivot  gun  of  the 
Oneida  was  not  injured,  but  the  pivot  rail  was  slightly  damaged,  and  to 
repair  it  she  hauled  out  of  action. 

At  about  half-past  three  o'clock  the  firing  from  the  forts  began  to 
slacken.  At  four  o'clock  Fort  Jackson  -was  silent,  and  only  the  water 
battery  and  Fort  St.  Philip  were  at  work.  The  raortar  shells  were 
falling  all  around  the  fort.  One  appeared  to  fall  into  the  water  battery 
soon  afterward,  and  silenced  it.  The  gunboats  were  throwing  shells 
with  fine  effect,  the  Kineo  in  particular.  At  five  o'clock  General  Butler 
and  his  staff  went  on  board  the  Hartford  to  confer  with  Commodore 
Farragut,  and  at'  half-past  six  the  signal  was  given  to  discontinue  the 
firing. 

A  number  of  men  were  wounded  during  the  day,  and  were  placed  on 
board  of  the  Katahdin,  to  be  conveyed  to  the  hospital  at  Pilot  Town, 
down  the  river. 

Night  closed  around  the  fleet  as  it  lay  at  its  moorings.  The  mortar- 
boats  kept  up  the  firing  during  the  night  at  stated  intervals,  by  divisions, 
and  so  continued  until  the  morning  of  Sunday,  the  20th,  when  the  con- 
test was  renewed  on  both  sides,  with  the  same  zeal  and  industry  as  had 
marked  the  bombardment  of  the  first  two  days.  During  the  forenoon 
a  deserter  from  Fort  Jackson  came  to  the  shore,  and  hailed  one  of  the 
mortar  vessels.  A  boat  was  immediately  dispatched  to  him,  and  he 
was  taken  on  board  the  Harriet  Lane,  where  he  had  an  interview  with 
Commodore  Porter.  He  was  a  citizen  of  Pennsylvania,  and  reported 
that  great  execution  had  been  done  by  the  well-directed  fire  of  the  fleet. 

Commodore  Farragut  began  to  fear,  from  the  protracted  resistance 
of  the  forts,  that  they  would  hold  out  so  long  that  the  supply  of  shells 
and  material  of  the  fleet  would  become  exhausted,  and  the  enterprise 


486  THE   WAR   FOB  THE   UNION. 

result  in  a  simple  blockade.  He  therefore  issued  orders  for  running  the 
forts,  at  an  early  opportunity,  and  arranged  the  vessels  in  several  divi- 
sions for  this  important  undertaking,  when  the  signal  should  be  given 
to  move.  While  passing  the  forts.  Commodore  Porter's  mortar  fleet 
were  to  engage  the  batteries,  in  order  to  distract  and  divide  the  fire  of 
the  forts. 

During  the  afternoon,  Fort  Jackson  suspended  its  fire,  but  Fort  St. 
Philip  sent  its  iron  messengers  about  the  fleet  in  a  perfect  hail,  without, 
however,  doing  much  injury.  After  continuing  this  work  for  a  short 
time  the  fire  was  slackened,  and  gradually  fell  ofl",  a  shot  only  being  sent 
at  long  intervals. 

During  the  afternoon  preparations  were  made  for  removing  the  ob- 
structions which  the  rebels  had  placed  in  the  river.  The  principal  of 
these  was  a  strong  and  heavy  iron  chain  thrown  across  the  stream,  sup- 
ported by  six  or  eight  vessels,  which  formed  a  line  across  from  shore  to 
shore.  Beyond  this  battery,  and  above  the  forts,  lay  a  fleet  of  eighteen 
gunboats,  and  a  monster  ram,  called  the  Manassas,  a  massive  and  heavily 
mailed  vessel,  built  expressly  for  running  down  and  destroying  any  ves- 
sel that  it  might  attack. 

About  two  o'clock  the  expedition  to  accomplish  this  work  started  on 
its  errand.  The  night  was  as  dark  as  could  be  desired,  and,  closely 
watched  by  the  fleet,  the  Itasca  and  Pinola  left  their  moorings  to  cut 
the  chain,  and,  if  possible,  destroy  some  of  the  vessels  supporting  it. 
At  a  given  signal  the  mortar  vessels,  which  had  been  keeping  up  a  slow 
fire,  opened  a  tremendous  volley  of  shell,  presenting  a  spectacle  which 
has  seldom  been  witnessed  in  naval  warfare.  The  sky  was  like  a  vast 
arch  in  conflagration  from  the  explosions  of  the  shells,  which  vaulted 
upwards,  and  fell  in  a  meteoric  shower  upon  the  forts.  From  three  to 
eight  or  ten  were  in  the  air  almost  all  the  time,  and  the  beauty  and 
grandeur  of  this  vast  pyrotechnic  display  was  heightened  by  the  use  ot 
the  Caston  signal  lights.  Dimly  in  the  distance  could  be  seen  the  Iro- 
quois, Winona,  and  Kennebec,  who  were  in  the  advance  of  the  mortar 
fleet.  A  signal  light  was  sent  up  from  Fort  Jackson,  and  both  forts 
opened  fire  with  all  their  heavy  guns. 

An  hour  was  spent  in  this  manner,  when  the  Pinola  sent  a  boat  down 
to  report  that  the  chain  was  cut,  and  that  the  Itasca  was  ashore.  The 
forts  had  slackened  their  fire,  and  there  was  good  cause  to  fear  that  if 
she  were  not  rescued  before  the  moon  rose,  she  would  bo  captured  by 
the  rebels.  Orders  were  immediately  sent  to  the  picket  boats,  which  re- 
paired to  her  aid,  and  although  the  project  of  blowing  up  some  of  the 
supporting  schooners  was  not  accomplished,  the  vessels  all  returned  in 
safety,  having  cleared  the  river  of  its  barrier.  The  mortar  fleet  then 
subsided  into  the  accustomed  routine  of  a  bomb-shell  at  regular  inter- 


CAPTURE  OF  NEW  ORLEANS.  437 

vals,  to  prove  to  the  rebels  at  the  forts  that  their  visitors  were  at  the 
post  of  duty. 

At  two  o'clock  on  Monday  morning,  the  21st,  the  moon  rose  clear 
and  beautiful,  lighting  up  the  entire  scene.  It  was  the  fourth  day  of 
the  bombardment,  and  with  accustomed  promptitude  the  entertainment 
of  the  day  commenced  with  a  fire  raft,  sent  down  the  river  from  Fort 
Jackson,  larger  and  more  formidable  than  any  that  had  preceded  it. 
The  current  was  running  swiftly,  the  wind  was  fresh,  and  the  blazing 
mass  sped  fiercely  over  its  watery  pathway.  It  burned  with  terrific 
fury,  a  high  wind  sweeping  its  flames  back  in  fiery  banners  ;  while  the 
pine  knots,  crackling  and  roaring,  sent  their  forked  flames  leaping  like 
tongues  of  fire  through  the  dense  column  of  smoke  which  rolled  its 
huge  black  pall  against  the  azure  of  the  sky,  as  it  floated  past  the  fleet, 
scattering  a  storm  of  harmless  fire  on  the  water.  The  mortar  boats 
took  it  in  charge,  and  the  men  fell  to  work  extinguishing  the  flames. 
When  this  was  done  it  was  towed  ashore  to  keep  company  with  its 
forerunners,  a  harmless,  charred  mass  of  timbers. 

During  the  day  the  bombardment  was  continued.  The  forts  for  a 
time  responded  with  more  determination  even  than  they  had  previously 
exhibited.  Attempts  were  made  by  the  rebels  to  repair  the  massive 
fragments  of  the  chain,  and  to  destroy  one  of  the  Federal  vessels  by  a 
submarine  torpedo,  but  without  success.  The  fifth  day  proved  like  the 
others,  but  it  became  apparent  that  the  crisis  of  the  contest  was  ap- 
.proaching.  The  mortar  boats  continued  their  usual  practice  during  the 
night,  and  on  the  return  of  day,  (Wednesday,  the  23d,)  renewed  the 
severer  labors  of  the  bombardment. 

There  was  an  ominous  silence  on  the  part  of  the  forts.  The  look-outs 
at  the  mast-heads  reported  that  the  shells  were  doing  their  work  at  Fort 
St.  Philip,  and  that  there  were  twelve  steamers  in  sight.  The  forts 
maintained  profound  silence  during  the  day,  and  this  circumstance  occa- 
sioned much  discussion  on  the  Federal  vessels.  On  consideration,  it 
was  deemed  that  the  time  had  come  to  hazard  an  attempt  to  run  the 
forts,  destroy  the  rebel  fleet,  and  ascend  to  New  Orleans.  The  Itasca 
was  selected  as  the  picket  boat,  to  advance  and  ascertain  whether  the 
chain  had  been  repaired  ;  and  the  fleet  of  ships  and  gunboats  was  alive 
with  enthusiasm  and  excitement,  at  the  prospect  of  running  the  gaunt- 
let of  fire  which  would  be  opened  on  either  side  when  their  desperate 
attempt  became  known.  Not  only  were  the  two  forts  to  be  passed,  but 
the  rebel  fleet,  with  its  monster  of  destruction,  the  Manassas,  and  the 
fire-rafts  which  would  be  let  loose  upon  them,  to  spread  conflagration 
and  death  in  their  most  fearful  forms :  while  a  foe  desperate  with  energy 
and  hate,  was  working  the  formidable  engines  of  destruction. 

At  eleven  o'clock,  r.  m.,  the  Itasca  signalled  that  the  chain  was  clear. 


438  TUB   WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 

Everything  was  quiet  around  the  fleet,  save  the  hissing  of  tlie  steam  as 
it  escaped  from  the  boilers.  The  night  was  moderately  dark,  and  a 
gentle  southerly  wind  made  the  weather  rather  hazy.  The  mortaj  ves- 
sels kept  up  an  incessant  roar,  and  bright  globes  ascended  high  aloft  to 
curve  downward  in  fury  at  the  forts.  The  second  division,  under  Cap- 
tain Bailey  (of  the  Colorado),  formed  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  while 
the  third  division  was  in  the  centre  of  the  lines — the  first  division  lying 
on  the  right  bank  of  the  river. 

The  fleet  Avas  to  sail  in  the  following  order : — 

Mrsl  Division — Flag-oflicer  Farragut  commanding :  Hartford,  Brook- 
lyn, Richmond. 

Second  Division — Captain  Bailey  commanding:  Cayuga,  Pensacola, 
Mississippi,  Oneida,  Varuna,  Katahdin,  Ivineo,  Wissahickon,  Portsmouth, 
towed  by  J.  P.  Jackson. 

T/iird  Division — Captain  Bell  commanding:  Sciota,  Iroquois,  Pinola, 
Itasca,  Winona,  Kennebec. 

At  one  o'clock  all  hands  were  called,  hammocks  stowed,  and  every- 
thing put  in  readiness  to  weigh. 

At  two  o'clock  on  tlie  morning  of  the  24th,  red  lights  at  the  peak  of 
the  Hartford  announced  the  time  to  get  underweigh.*  At  three  o'clock 
the  moon  rose,  and  a  silvery  path  was  marked  out  on  the  swift  Avat era 
of  the  river,  so  soon  to  be  the  scene  of  one  of  the  grandest  naval  fights 
known  to  history.  The  moon  had  lifted  itself  above  the  horizon  just 
thirty  minutes,  when  the  fleet  sailed  in  order  for  the  battle-ground.  In 
the  dim  distance  could  be  seen  the  signal  fires  of  the  enemy,  built  to 
light  up  the  river,  and  reveal  the  position  of  the  fleet. 

At  precisely  twenty  minutes  of  four  o'clock  the  enemy  opened  fire 
from  Fort  St.  Philip.  At  that  moment  the  star-spangled  banner  was 
hoisted  at  the  peak  of  the  Hartford.  Full  speed  was  given  to  the  ship, 
tlie  engineers  performed  their  duty  nobly,  and  on  she  went,  as  it  were, 
into  the  jaws  of  death.  At  the  time  the  enemy  opened  fire  the  mortar 
vessels  went  to  work,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  they  threw  shells  at 
the  enemy  was  terrific. 

At  five  minutes^to  four  o'clock  the  bow  gun  of  the  Hartford  belched 
forth  fire  and  smoke,  and  a  messenger,  in  the  shape  of  a  nine-inch  sliell, 
was  sent  to  Fort  Jackson.  In  a  few  minutes  more  the  broadside  firing 
was  commenced.  Both  forts  were  replying  as  fast  as  they  could. 
Broadside  after  broadside  was  delivered  to  them  in  rapid  succession, 
while  the  mortar  vessels  lent  their  aid  to  make  the  scene  one  of  wonder- 
ful grandeur. 

A  scene  like  this  has  probably  never  before  been  witnessed.  Steadily 
the  vessels  steamed  on,  the  forts  firing  rifle  shot  and  shell,  ten-inch  co- 
lumbiads,  forty-two,  thirty-two  and  twenty-four  potmder  balls,  while  the 


CAPTURE  OF  NEW  ORLEANS.  441 

thirteen  stijamers  of  the  enemy,  and  the  floating  battery  Louisiana,  were 
pouring  uito  aind  around  the  fleet  a  storm  of  iron  perfectly  indescribable. 
Not  satisfied  with  this,  one  fire  raft  after  another  was  kindled,  and  set  adrift 
to  do  their  fiery  work.  The  ram  was  busy  trying  to  force  them  under  the 
bows  of  the  Federal  vessels.  One  of  them  approached  the  Hartford,  when 
Captain  Broome  opened  on  her  with  two  nine-inch  guns.  An  explosion — 
a  loud  burst  of  terrific  cries  and  wails, — a  careen,  and  the  rebel  steamer, 
with  its  wretched  multitude  of  victims,  plunged  beneath  the  waters,  and 
disappeared  from  view.  The  rebel  vessels  were  crowded  with  troops, 
who  fired  volleys  of  rifle  balls,  most  of  which  did  no  harm.  Their  steamers 
were  bold  and  fearless ;  but  no  sooner  did  they  come  in  sight  of  our  gun- 
ners than  they  were  sunk.  The  Varuna  sunk  six  of  them  one  after  another. 
In  the  midst  of  this  awful  scene  a  tremendous  fire  raft  came  down  the 
river,  and  the  ram  shoved  her  under  the  port-quarter  of  the  Hartford. 
The  flames  caught  her  «"igging  and  side,  and  for  a  moment  it  seemed  as 
tbough  the  flag-ship  must  fall  a  prey  to  the  ^ames.  A  fire  was  also 
burning  on  the  berth-deck.  The  fire  hose  was  on  hand,  and  the  crew 
Boon  subdued  the  flames,  and  gave  the  ram  a  return  of  rifle  shell.  She, 
however,  returned  to  the  onset,  when  some  other  vessel  assaulted  her, 
and  she  hauled  ofl^.  During  this  stage  of  affairs  the  Hartford  grounded, 
and  her  fate  seemed  to  be  sealed ;  but  the  men  Avorked  splendidly,  and 
the  engineers  soon  got  the  ship  astern  and  afloat.  The  scene  of  the 
engagement  at  this  time  almost  defies  the  power  of  description.  The 
river  and  its  banks  were  one  sheet  of  flame,  and  the  messengers  of  death 
were  moving  with  lightning  swiftness  in  all  directions.  Steadily  the 
Federal  fleet  poured  upon  the  enemy  their  shell  and  grape,  interspersed 
with  shrapnel.  The  rebel  boats  Avere  fast  being  riddled  by  well  directed 
broadsides,  and  their  commanders  who  were  able  made  for  the  shore  to 
run  them  on  the  bank  and  save  their  lives.  Some  Avere  on  fire  and  others 
were  sinking.  The  crews  ol  the  Union  fleet  broke  out  in  frequent  cheers 
as  they  saw  the  havoc  that  AA'as  made,  and  the  retreat  of  the  rebel  vessels. 
The  flag-ship  had  been  on  fire  three  times,  and  Avas  riddled  from  stem 
to  stern.  The  cabin  was  completely  shattered,  the  starboard  steerage 
torn  up,  and  the  armory  severely  damaged. 

After  being  under  a  terrific  fire  for  one  hour  and  tAventy  minutes,  the 
Federal  vessels  passed  the  forts.  The  flag-ship  Avas  badly  cut  up  with 
a  shot  through  the  mainmast,  tAVO  in  the  stern,  and  several  through  her. 
Language  cannot  give  an  adequate  idea  of  the  engagement.  "Wrapped 
up  in  smoke,  shot  and  shell  AA'ere  Avhistling  around,  above,  before  and  in 
the  rear ;  flames  from  fire  rafts  encircling  the  ships,  splinters  flying  in 
■  all  directions,  shells  bursting  overhead ;  Avhile  the  roar  and  booming 
of  the  guus  rolled  almost  ince  jsantly,  and  made  the  contest  as  destruc- 
tive as  it  was  terrible. 


442  TI!K    WAU    FOll   THE    UN'ION". 

So  effective  had  been  the  work  of  the  fleet,  tliat  at  half-past  five 
o'clock  no  less  than  eleven  rebel  steamers  were  in  flames  along  each  side 
of  the  river.  The  Federal  vessels  steamed  up  to  the  Quarantine  to 
anchor,  when  the  Manassas  made  her  appearance,  and  saucily  fired  at 
the  Richmond. 

The  Mississippi  being  near  at  hand,  put  about  for  the  ram,  with  the 
intention  of  running  her  down.  The  Manassas  endeavored  to  elude  the 
attack,  but  finding  the  Mississippi  gaining  on  her,  ran  into  the  bank  of  the 
river,  and  immediately  about  thirty  men  came  up  out  of  the  hatch  and 
went  on  shore.  The  Mississippi  fired  two  or  three  broadsides  into  her, 
and  boarded  her,  but  finding  that  she  was  of  no  importance,  again  fired 
into  her,  and  she  drifted  down  the  river,  sinking  very  fast. 

Besides  the  ram,  the  rebels  had  a  heavy  floating  battery,  called  the 
Louisiana,  which  carried  eight  large  guns,  and  which  occasioned  a  good 
deal  of  annoyance,  although,  to  use  the  language  of  the  Charleston 
AIercur>j,  it  was  a  complete  failure.  In  addition  to  this,  they  had  an 
immense  steam-ram,  called  the  IMississippi,  which  had  just  been  launch- 
ed, but  which  was  then  unfinished.  She  was  a  propeller,  with  three 
screws  and  six  engines,  and  to  be  mounted  with  twenty  guns  of  the 
largest  calibre.  She  was  twice  as  large  and  powerful  as  the  Merrimac, 
and  without  a  gtm  would  have  been  almost  sufticient  to  have  run  down 
the  Federal  fleet.  There  was,  however,  about  forty  days'  work  required 
to  complete  her,  and  to  prevent  her  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  victors, 
she  was  scuttled,  set  on  fire  and  sunk. 

At  six  A.  M.,  the  Varuna,  Commander  Boggs,  was  attacked  by  tho 
Morgan,  iron-clad  about  the  bow,  commanded  by  Beverly  Kennion,  an 
ex-naval  ofiicer.  This  vessel  raked  her  along  the  port  gangway,  killing 
four  and  wounding  nine  of  the  crew,  butting  the  Varuna  on  the  quar- 
ter, and  again  on  the  starboard  side.  Three  three-inch  shells  were  fired 
into  her  abaft  her  armor,  also  several  shot  from  the  after  rifled  gun, 
when  she  dropped  out  of  action,  partially  disabled. 

While  still  engaged  with  her,  another  rebel  steamer,  iron-clad,  with 
a  prow  under  Avater,  struck  the  Varuna  in  the  port  gangway,  doing  con- 
siderable damage.  The  Varuna's  shot  glanced  from  her  bow.  She 
backed  ofi'for  another  blow,  and  struck  again  in  the  same  place,  crushing 
in  the  side ;  but  by  going  ahead  fast,  the  concussion  drew  her  bow 
around,  and  the  Varuna  was  able  with  the  port  guns  to  give  lier,  while 
close  alongside,  five  eight-inch  shells  abaft  her  armor.  This  settled  her 
and  drove  her  ashore  in  flames.  Finding  the  Varuna  sinking,  she  was 
run  into  the  bank,  when  they  let  go  her  anchor,  and  tied  her  up  to  the 
trees.  During  all  this  time  the  guns  were  actively  at  work,  crippling 
tho  Morgan,  which  was  making  feeble  efforts  to  get  up  steam. 

The  fire  was  kept  up  until  the  water  was  over  the  gun-trucks,  when 


CAPTUEE  OF  NURV  ORLEANS.  443 

attention  vras  turned  to  getting  the  wounded  and  the  crew  out  of  the 
vessel.  The  Oneida,  Captain  Lee,  seeing  the  condition  of  the  Varuna, 
had  rushed  to  her  assistance,  but  was  not  needed,  and  the  Morgan  sur- 
rendered to  her,  having  over  fifty  of  her  crew  killed  and  wounded.  She 
was  set  on  fire  by  her  commander. 

In  fifteen  minutes  from  the  time  the  Varuna  was  struck,  she  was  on 
the  bottom,  with  only  her  topgallant  forecastle  out  of  water.  The 
officers  and  crew  lost  everything  they  possessed,  no  one  thinking  of 
leaving  his  station  until  driven  thence  by  Avater. 

The  Federal  vessels  made  their  rendezvous  at  the  Quarantine,  some 
miles  above  the  forts,  and  took  possession  of  the  camp  of  the  Chalmette 
regiment  of  rebel  sharpshooters,  some  of  Avhom  escaped,  while  the 
others  surrendered,  and  were  paroled.  The  officers  were  taken  to  the 
flag-ship  and  paroled.  The  Avounded  men  of  the  various  ships  were 
noAV  carefully  attended  to.  The  heroic  dead  Avho  had  fallen  in  defence 
of  their  flag  Avere  taken  ashore,  and  laid  in  their  last  resting-place, 
in  a  manner  Avorthy  of  the  cause  in  Avhich  they  had  shed  their  blood, 
and  the  national  flag  Avas  left  floating  over  their  graves.  The  Fed- 
eral loss  Avas  30  killed  and  120  Avounded.  The  loss  of  the  rebels 
was  very  severe,  some  of  the  estimates  making  it  as  high  as  800  or 
1,000  in  killed  and  Avounded.  . 

THE  SDKEEXDER  OF  THE  FOETS. 

When  the  fleet  started  in  its  attempt  to  pass  the  forts,  the  mortar- 
vessels  opened  a  tremendous  fire,  Avhich  Avas  continued  until  five  o'clock, 
when  they  were  signalled  to  cease.  During  the  forenoon.  Commodore 
Porter  dispatched  Captain  Grant,  in  the  OAvasco,  with  a  flag  of  truce, 
to  demand  the  surrender  of  the  forts.  The  vessel  approached  Fort  St. 
Philip  to  within  about  a  mile,  Avhen  the  batteries  Avere  opened  upon  her 
and  five  shots  were  fired,  upon  Avhich  she  AvithdrcAV.  The  flag  of  truce 
was  hauled  doAvn,  but  soon  afterwards  a  boat  flying  a  flag  of  truce  at 
her  bows,  and  the  secession  flag  at  her  stern,  approached,  and  Captain 
Grant  went  out  and  held  a  conference  with  the  rebel  officer.  He  offered 
an  apology  in  behalf  of  his  superior  oflScer  for  the  unintentional  firing 
upon  the  flag  of  truce,  declaring  that  its  color  had  not  been  seen,  and 
could  not  be  distinguished  in  the  distance.  He  then  returned  to  the 
fort,  and  the  bombs  again  commenced  their  thunders,  Avhich  lasted  until 
Commodore  Porter  ordered  the  fleet  down  the  river. 

On  the  25  th,  Commodore  Porter  sent  six  of  the  mortar  vessels  to 
guard  the  bayous  in  the  rear  of  Fort  Jackson,  Avhen  three  of  them,  the 
Henry  Janes,  Kittatinny  and  Geo.  W.  Maryham,  on  the  26th,  drifted  off 
to  Fort  Livingston,  a  stronghold  of  the  rebels,  guarding  one  of  the 
passages.    There  Avas  a  flag  of  truce  flying  on  the  fort,  and  on  boats 


444  THE  WAR  FDR  THK   WIOTX! 

being  sent  ashore,  they  found  the  place  deserted  by  all  except  several 
men,  women  and  children,  who  resided  on  the  island.  The  P'ederals 
found  eleven  32-pounders,  three  12-pound  howitzers,  two  24-pounders, 
one  8-inch  colunibiad,  one  80-pound  rifled  cannon,  one  thousand  32- 
pound  shot,  and  other  articles  of  minor  importance.  The  fort  was  in 
good  condition,  with  all  its  property.  It  was  left  in  charge  of  Acting- 
master  Tamsen,  of  the  U.  S.  navy. 

On  the  28th,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Higgins,  commanding  the  forts,  sent 
a  communication  to  the  Commodore,  offering  tt>  surrender.  The  Har- 
riet Lane  (flag-ship)  accordingly  steamed  up  to  the  forts,  and  received 
the  commander  on  board,  when  the  articles  of  capitulation  were  drawn 
up  and  signed.  Not  to  prolong  the  contest  by  very  exacting  terms, 
XJommodore  Porter  received  the  forts  and  property,  and  allowed  Briga- 
dier-General Duncan,  commander  of  coast  defences,  and  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Higgins,  commanding  the  forts,  to  retain  their  side  arms,  under 
parole.  The  other  oflicers  and  privates  were  to  retire  on  parole,  giving 
up  all  arms  and  accoutrements,  the  United  States  to  transport  the  men 
from  the  forts. 

Three  steamers  of  the  rebel  fleet  remained,  and  were  under  the 
direction  of  Commander  J.  K.  Mitchell.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Higgins 
said  he  had  no  command  over  them,  and  was  not  responsible  for  their 
conduct.  While  the  flag  of  truce  was  up,  and  the  capitulation  was 
under  conference,  they  towed  the  iron  floating  battery,  Louisiana,  to  a 
place  above  the  forts,  set  it  on  fire,  and  turned  it  adrift  upon  the  Federal 
fleet.  The  gims  soon  becoming  heated,  began  to  discharge,  throwing 
their  shot  around  the  river,  and  in  a  little  while  the  battery  itself  ex- 
ploded with  a  terrific  report,  scattering  the  fragments  all  over  the  river, 
and  wounding  one  of  their  own  men  in  Fort  St.  Philip. 

As  soon  as  the  terms  of  capitulation. were  concluded  and  signed. 
Commodore  Porter  started  for  the  rebel  fleet.  One  vessel  had  been 
sunk  by  the  Federal  guns  during  the  consultation,  and  another  was, 
taken  by  the  Commodore.  He  immediately  put  the  officers  in  close  con- 
finement, for  the  attempt  to  blow  up  the  Federal  vessels  while  under 
the  flag  of  truce. 

While  the  reduction  and  surrender  of  the  forts  was  effected  appa- 
rently by  the  fleet,  it  was  evident  that  they  could  have  held  out  in  defi- 
ance of  the  bombardment  for  an  indefinite  period.  The  successful 
passage  of  the  gunboat  fleet  threw  an  immense  force  above  the  forts, 
while  a  competent  force  remained  below.  In  addition  to  this.  General 
Butler  had  succeeded  in  finding  a  passage  for  a  portion  of  his  land 
forces  through  the  channels  in  the  rear  of  Fort  St.  Philip,  and  thus 
threatened  the  forts  in  a  direction  where  they  were  easily  vulnerable. 
Under  these  circumstances,  a  considerable  part  of  the  garrison  revolted, 


CAPTURE   OF   NEW   ORr,EANS.  445 

on  the  night  of  the  27th,  refused  to  serve,  and  demanded  a  surrender, 
because  defence  was  no  longer  of  the  least  service  to  their  main  purpose, 
that  of  defending  the  approach  to  the  city.  The  discontented  part 
of  the  troops,  about  two  hundred  in  number,  were  permitted  to  leave 
the  fort,  and  they  proceeded  to  the  qiiarantine  and  gave  themselves  up 
to  General  Butler.  This  timely  co-operation  of  General  Butler  led  to 
the  decision  of  the  commander,  and  on  the  following  morning  the  capitu- 
lation was  completed,  acd  the  national  flag  was  restored  to  the  walls  of 
Forts  Jackson  and  St.  Philip. 

The  forts  were  placed  in  command  of  General  Phelps.  Fort  Jackson 
suffered  most  from  the  bombardment,  the  chief  object  being  to  compel 
its  surrender,  Commodore  Porter  knowing  that  the  other  would  inevi- 
tably follow.  Nearly  8,000  shells  and  round  shot  were  thrown  from  the 
Federal  fleet,  of  Avhich  more  than  2,000  fell  into  or  exploded  over  the 
forts.  More  than  1,100  were  coimted  on  the  ground  near  the  forts,  lying 
around  after  the  capture. 

THE    OCCUPATION   OF   NEW   ORLEANS. 

At  eleven  o'clock,  a.  m.,  on  the  24th,  the  flag-ship  raised  her  anchor, 
and  led  the  way  up  the  river  towards  New  Orleans.  Commander  Far- 
ragut  had  been  apprised  of  the  obstacles  which  he  would  meet,  and  was 
therefore  prepared  to  encounter  them.  There  was  no  occurrences  of 
moment  on  the  way  up  the  river,  except  the  demonstrations  of  joy  or  of 
opposition  made  by  the  people,  according  to  their  loyal  or  disloyal  sym- 
pathies. Boats  loaded  with  cotton  were  burnt  or  burning  along  the 
river  as  they  passed,  and  fragments  of  the  Mississippi  battery  floated 
down  the  stream. 

At  about  the  same  hour  of  the  next  day,  the  fleet  reached  two  forts, 
one  on  either  side  of  the  river,  about  two  miles  below  the  city,  known 
as  the  Chalmette  batteries,  which  had  no  flags  flying.  At  eleven  o'clock 
they  opened  on  the  Cayuga,  Avhich  was  then  in  the  advance.  After  a 
short  time  spent  in  firing  the  bow  guns,  the  Hartford  poured  in  a  terrific 
broadside,  which  appeared  to  be  very  destructive.  Other  discharges 
followed  from  other  vessels,  and  the  garrison  abandoned  the  works 
without  hoisting  a  flag.  The  guns  being  silenced,  and  the  forts  evacu- 
ated, the  fleet  passed  on  and  came  to  anchor  opposite  the  city  about  one 
o'clock.  Tha  river  was  filled  with  vessels  on  fire,  and  along  the  levee 
cotton,  stores,  and  other  property  were  wantonly  burned,  filling  the  at- 
mosphere with  suffocating  smoke,  and  adding  to*  the  heat  of  the  day. 
Vast  amounts  of  property  were  thus  destroyed.  On  shore  and  on  the 
wharves  the  people  hastened  to  and  fro,  some  cheering  for  Jeff.  Davis 
and  the  Confederacy,  Beauregard,  and  others,  while  some  of  the  more 
exulting  loyalists  cheered  for  the  Union  and  the  old  flag. 


^fh 


NEW  OIXLEANS  AND  VICINITY. 

(BOWINQ  TIIB  DISTANCES  ON  TUB  HISSISSIPPI,    AND  THE  ISLANDS   BT   THETB  NVVBEBS. 


CAPTURE  OF  NEW  ORLEANS.  447 

At  two  o'c)ock  Commodore  Farragut  sent  Captain  Bailey  on  shore  to 
communicate  -with  the  authorities,  and  demand  a  surrender  of  the  city. 
He  started  with  a  flag  of  truce,  and  on  reaching  the  levee  was  greeted 
with  curses  by  the  mob.  With  some  ditticulty  he  reached  the  City 
Ilall,  with  the  officer  who  accompanied  him,  and  there  found  the  Mayor, 
City  Council,  and  General  Lovell,  the  commander  of  the  rebel  forces  in 
the  city.  New  Orleans  being  under  martial  law,  the  civil  authorities 
could  do  nothing,  and  General  Lovell  declared  he  would  never  surren- 
der it.  He  was  informed  that  the  city  was  then  in  the  power  of  the 
Federal  fleet,  and  the  responsibility  of  any  sufibring  or  destruction  that 
might  folloAV  his  obstinate  determination  must  rest  with  him.  If  no  re- 
sistance were  made,  nothing  would  be  injured.  General  Lovell  then 
agreed  to  evacuate  the  city,  and  restore  it  to  the  control  of  the  civil 
authorities.  Captain  Bailey  and  Lieutenant  Perkins  entered  a  carriage 
and  returned  to  their  boats.  Just  before  they  reached  the  levee,  the 
new  ram  Mississippi,  already  mentioned,  floated  down  the  river  wrapt 
in  flames.  The  rebels  had  attempted  to  tow  her  up  the  river,  but  find- 
ing some  of  the  Federal  vessels  on  the  alert  in  pursuit,  they  set  her  on 
fire.  Two  or  three  other  similar  vessels,  partly  built,  were  in  the  ship- 
yards of  the  city  and  Algiers,  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  which  were 
also  destroyed. 

When  the  news  of  the  passage  of  the  forts  by  the  Federal  fleet  had 
been  telegraphed  to  the  city,  the  popular  excitement  was  unbounded. 
Under  a])prebension  that  the  city  would  be  pillaged,  and  given  up 
to  the  violence  of  a  body  of  Northern  desperadoes,  the  mob,  led  on  by 
some  of  the  most  bitter  secessionists,  Avere  anxious  to  fire  the  public 
buildings,  and  reduce  the  city  to  ruin  in  advance.  But  other  counsels 
prevailed,  and  they  were  fortunately  restrained  from  the  commission  of 
these  atrocities. 

On  the  following  morning,  the  26th,  at  half-past  six  o'clock,  the 
Mayor  sent  his  secretary  and  chief  of  police  to  see  the  Commodore, 
informing  him  that  he  would  call  a  meeting  of  the  Council  at  ten  o'clock. 
Commodore  Farragut  replied  to  the  message  of  the  Mayor,  and  sent 
him  a  formal  demand  for  the  unqualified  surrender  of  the  city.  The 
Council  met,  and  on  hearing  a  message  from  the  Mayor,  John  T.  Monroe, 
that  body  adoi)ted  resolutions  in  accordance  with  the  message,  and  the 
Mayor  made  a  reply  to  the  Commodore,  stating  that  the  city  was  sub- 
ject to  his  power.  Both  the  message  of  the  j\[ayor,  and  his  reply  to 
Commodore  Farragut,  breathed  a  spirit  of  bold  defiance  to  the  Federal 
authority,  declaring  that  they  submitted  only  to  stern  necessity,  and 
that  tliey  still  maintained  their  allegiance  to  the  Confederate  States. 

At  ten  o'clock  two  oflicers  were  sent  on  shore,  with  a  body  of  marines, 
to  raise  the  flag  on  the  Custom  House ;  but  the  protest  of  the  Mayor 


448  THE    W'AK   FOR   THE   UNION. 

was  so  urgent,  under  the  appreliension  that  the  mob  would  resist  this 
attempt  to  plant  the  old  flag  in  its  rightful  place,  that  the  Commodore 
deemed  it  advisable  to  recall  the  order.  About  the  same  time  the  Pen- 
eacola  sent  a  boat  to  raise  the  flag  on  the  mint.  A  general  order  for 
a  thanksgiving  service  at  eleven  o'clock,  on  shipboard,  had  been  issued, 
for  the  success  of  the  expedition,  and  while  thus  engaged,  the  stars  and 
stripes  were  torn  down  by  a  mob.  The  Pensacola  fired  a  howitzer, 
killing  one  man,  which  occasioned  intense  excitement. 

On  the  surrender  of  the  forts,  General  Butler  hastened  with  his  forces 
to  the  city,  where  he  arrived,  with  his  transports,  on  the  afternoon  of 
the  28th. 

On  the  morning  of  the  29th,  Pierre  Soule,  one  of  the  most  prominent 
men  of  New  Orleans,  visited  the  Commodore  for  the  purpose  of  a  pri- 
vate interview.  Soon  after  he  left  the  ship,  the  marines  of  the  fleet 
went  ashore  in  the  small  boats  to  raise  the  flag  on  the  Custom  House 
and  Post  Ofiice.  Two  howitzers  were  in  the  company,  to  assist,  if 
necessary,  in  maintaining  order.  The  duty  of  hauling  down  the  State 
flag  of  Louisiana,  and  replacing  it  with  the  national  emblem,  was  as- 
signed to  Commander  H.  H.  Bell.  When  the  boats  reached  the  levee, 
the  men  formed  in  line  of  march,  and  proceeded  to  the  Custom  House, 
where  the  stars  and  stripes  w'ere  once  more  flung  to  the  southern  breeze. 
After  leaving  the  Custom  House,  they  proceeded  to  the  City  Hall,  where 
Captain  Bell  generously  yielded  the  distinction  of  raising  the  flag  to 
George  Russell,  boatswain's  mate  of  the  Hartford,  who  had  won 
general  approbation  by  his  heroic  conduct. 

General  Butler  established  his  headquarters  in  the  city,  proclaimed 
martial  law,  and  commenced  his  administration  without  opposition. 
With  this  peaceful  and  successful  result  was  crowned  one  of  the  most 
brilliant  achievements  in  naval  history. 


THE  EVACUATION  OF  YOEKTOWN. 
Mat  4,  1862. 

As  the  month  of  April  was  passing  away,  dispatches  from  the  penin- 
sula gave  assurances  that  the  two  great  armies  now  confronting  each 
other  before  Yorktown  would  in  a  few  days  be  compelled  to  test  their 
relative  strength  in  a  general  engagement,  should  neither,  meantime, 
voluntarily  abandon  the  position.  The  daily  bulletin  of  casualties  gave 
evidence  of  closer  and  more  sanguinary  contests  among  the  working  or 
reconnoitering  parties,  or  from  the  batteries  erected  on  new  parallels 
of « r>.<;ged  embankments  springing  up  daily  in  closer  proximity.    A  most 


^        EVACUATION   OP   YOEKTOWN.  449 

arduous  portion  of  the  soldiers'  labor  during  the  siege  is  thus  graphically 
described : 

"WoKKiNG  IN  THE  Trenches. — A  Working  party  is  detailed  for  night 
duty.  With  muskets  slung  on  their  backs  and  shovels  aud  picks  on 
their  shoulders,  they  proceed  to  the  selected  ground.  The  Avhite  tape 
marks  the  hue  of  excavation — the  dark  lanterns  are  "  faced  to  the 
rear " — the  muskets  are  carefully  laid  aside — the  shovels  are  in  hand, 
and  each  man  silently  commences  to  dig.  Not  a  word  is  spoken — not 
one  spade  clicks  against  another.  Each  man  first  digs  a  hole  large 
enough  to  cover  himself — he  then  turns  and  digs  to  his  right-hand 
neighbor.  Then  the  ditch  deepens  and  widens,  and  the  parapet  rises. 
Yet  all  is  silent — the  relief  comes  and  the  weary  ones  retire.  The 
words  and  jests  of  the  enemy  are  often  heard,  while  no  noise  from  the 
men  disturbs  the  stillness  save  the  dull  rattle  of  the  earth  as  each  spade- 
ful is  thrown  to  the  top.  At  daylight  a  long  line  of  earthworks,  afibrd- 
ing  complete  protection,  greets  the  astonished  eyes  of  the  enemy,  while 
the  sharpshooters'  bullets  whisper  terror  to  his  ears. 
.  On  the  2d  of  May  the  rebels  opened  fire  from  an  immense  gun 
mounted  on  a  pivot  at  a  corner  of  the  main  fort  on  the  heights  of 
Yorktown,  which  inflicted  serious  injury  on  the  Federals,  who  replied 
with  much  spirit  from  their  No.  1  battery,  mounting  one  and  two  hun- 
dred-pounder Parrot  guns.  On  the  twenty-third  discharge  of  the 
enemy's  gun  it  burst  into  a  thousand  pieces,  tearing  up  the  parapet, 
and  making  fearful  havoc  among  the  immense  crowd  surrounding  it. 
The  Federal  guns  on  No.  1  battery  were  then  brought  to  bear  on  the 
rebel  works  at  Yorktown  and  Gloucester,  and  on  their  shipping,  with 
marked  effect,  to  which  they  wei*e  unable  to  reply. 

From  the  1st  to  the  4th  of  May  the  Confederate  army  evacuated 
Yorktown,  without  awaking  the  suspicions  of  the  besiegers,  making  a 
safe  retreat  with  all  their  field  artillery  and  most  of  their  stores. 
Eighty  heavy  guns  at  Yorktown  and  Gloucester,  with  large  quantities 
of  ordnance  stores,  fell  into  possession  of  the  Federals,  who  occupied 
the  rebel  ramparts  on  the  morning  of  the  fourth. 

On  the  same  day  the  iron  battery  Merrimac  made  her  appearance 
off  Sewall's  Point,  and  the  Federal  gunboats  availed  themselves  of  the 
opportunity  to  go  up  the  York  river,  convoying  a  portion  of  the  army 
transports,  with  the  design  of  intercepting  the  retreating  enemy,  while  , 
most  of  the  cavalry  and  horse  artillery,  followed  by  the  infantry,  started 
in  immediate  pursuit  by  land. 

When  within  two  and  a  half  miles  of  Williamsburg,  at  two  o'clock 

on  May  4th,  General  Stoneman's  advance  came  up  with  the  enemy,  who 

threw  out  a  body  of  cavalry  to  check  the  pursuit.     Captain  Gibbon's 

battery  was  brought  to  bear  on  the  horsemen,  who  on  their  approach 

29    • 


450  '  THE   WAU   FOR   TUB    UNIOX. 

were  met  by  a  charge  of  the  First  and  Sixth  regular  cavalry,  who  drove 
them  back,  capturing  twenty-five  of  their  number.  Two  of  the  Federals 
were  killed,  and  about  twenty  wounded  ;  and  twenty  of  Captain  Gib- 
bon's horses  were  killed. 


THE  BATTLE  OP  WILLIAMSBUEG. 

May  8,  1862. 

The  evacuation  of  Torktown,  which  occupied  several  days,  was  com- 
pleted on  the  morning  of  Sunday,  the  4th  bf  May,  the  main  body  of  the 
retreating  rebels  taking  the  })rincipal  road  through  Williamsburg, 
and  smaller  portions  of  the  army  passing  along  the  road  near  the  banks 
of  the  York  river.  A  line  of  entrenchments  had  been  run  about  two 
and  a  half  miles  from  Williamsburg,  and  became  the  scene  of  a  fiercely 
contestpd  engagement  on  May  5th.  ^ 

The  rebel  forces  had  succeeded  in  passing  through  tho  city,  and  left 
a  force  of  about  five  thousand  men  to  engage  and  retard  the  advance  of 
the  Union  army.    . 

The  approach  to  Williamsburg  from  the  lower  part  of  the  peninsula 
is  by  two  roads,  one  on  the  James  river  side,  from  Warwick  court- 
house, and  the  other  from  Yorktown,  on  the  York  river  side.  Both 
these  roads  lead  through  a  dense  forest,  broken  only  by  occasional  open- 
ings, and  over  alternate  soils  of  sand,  reddish  clay  and  swamp.  The 
heavy  rains  had  saturated  the  soil,  and  the  retreat  of  tho  rebels,  with 
their  ponderous  trains,  had  cut  the  roads  up  to  an  extent  that  made 
them  almost  impassable.  In  very  many  places  where  they  led  over 
swampy  ground,  horses  and  wagons  would  sink  together,  and  other 
teams  were  necessary  to  draw  them  out  and  place  them  upon  soil  that 
was  firm  only  by  comparison.  This  was  the  general  character  of  both 
these  roads.  They  gradually  approach  each  other  through  the  forest, 
and  meet  at  a  sharp  angle  about  forty  rods  beyond  the  edge  of  the 
forest,  in  a  large  open  plain,  whi^h  stretches  away  on  either  side,  and 
lies  directly  in  front  of  the  village  of  Williamsburg,  at  a  distance 
of  about  two  miles. .  Beyond  this  intersection  of  the  two  roads,  and 
directly  ahead,  was  a  long  earthwork,  some  hundred  rods  in  advance, 
called  Fort  Page,  (also  called  Fort  Magruder,)  commanding  with  its 
guns  and  the  infantry  who  wei*e  concealed  behind  its  walls  both  these 
converging  roads.  Looking  to  the  right,  the  eye  ranges  over  a  broad 
open  field,  stretching  a  mile  or  more  away,  with  a  rolling  surface,  backed 
by  a  swamp,  and  dotted  with  five  separate  earthworks,  placed  to  com- 
mand the  plain  in  advance  and  concentrate  their  cross-fire  upon  the 
troops  approaching  by  the  roads.     Looking  to  the  left,  there  are  three 


BATTLE    OF    WILLIAMSBUKG.  453 

Other  works  of  a  similar  character,  commanding  the  approaches  on  that 
side.  Here  the  woods  came  closer  up  to  tlie  I'oad,  and  for  a  space  of 
some  twenty  or  thirty  acres  lying  along  the  James  river  road,  the  trees 
had  been  cut  down,  and  the  ground  in  part  had  been  filled  with  rifle- 
pits. 

As  soon  as  the  evacuation  of  Yorktown  was  ascertained,  on  Sunday 
morning,  General  Stoneman,  with  several  regiments  of  cavalry,  followed 
by  light  field  batteries,  including  horse  artillery,  started  in  pursuit  of 
the  enemy.  About  noon  General  Hooker's  division  left  the  camp  in 
front  of  Yorktown,  followed  by  General  Kearney's  division,  both  be- 
longing to  General  Heintzelman's  corps,  and  marched  towards  Wil- 
liamsburg, to  support  General  Stoneman,  and  assist  him  in  cutting  off 
the  enemy's  retreat.  The  cavalry  followed  close  upon  the  rear  guard 
of  the  enemy,  and  during  the  day  there  Avas  occasional  skirroxshing  be- 
tween them.  After  having  advanced  about  six  miles  the  cavalry  halted 
to  await  the  arrival  of  the  infantry.  The  divisions  of  Generals  Smith 
and  Hooker  met  at  a  crossing  of  the  roads,  and  continued  on  their 
routes,  and  met  again  at  the  junction  below  Fort  Page.  It  was  now 
late  in  the  day,  and  General  Sumner,  who  desired  to  engage  the  enemy, 
was  compelled  to  defer  an  attack  until  the  morning. 

The  troops  bivouacked  at  night  in  the  best  positions  they  could  se- 
cure. General  Hooker's  division  was  in  front  of  the  centre  of  the  en- 
emy's works.  General  Smith's  infantry,  and  General  Stoneman's  artil- 
lery and  cavalry  were  on  the  right.  Generals  Kearney  and  Couch  had 
also  come  up,  and  halted  in  the  rear,  Avhile  other  divisions  took  position 
where  they  could  be  disposed  to  the  best  advantage.  Rain  had  fallen 
almost  constantly  during  the  day,  and  now  a  stormy  night  drew  its 
dark  mantle  over  them,  while  the  wearied  army  lay  upon  the  wet  earth, 
and  sought  repose.  ' 

Early  on  the  following  morning,  the  5th,  the  troops  commenced  their 
march,  and  soon  came  up  to  the  point  where  the  road  passes  out  of  the 
woods  into  the  open  plain  before  the  fort.  The  first  who  came  np 
formed  a  part  of  General  Hooker's  division.  As  they  advanced  from 
the  James  river  road  to  the  opening,  they  were  greeted  with  a  storm 
of  balls  and  grape  from  the  bastion ;  and  as  the  men  were  deployed  in 
the  woods,  and  attempted  to  pass  over  the  fallen  timber,  they  were  met 
by  a  heavy  fire  from  th§  rebel  infantry,  close  in  front,  concealed  in  their 
rille-pits  or  behind  the  trees. 

General  Hooker  ordered  up  Bramhall's  battery,  but  just  as  it  left  the 
woods  and  was  coming  out  into  the  open  ground,  the  wheels  stuck  fast 
in  the  deep  clay  mire,  in  which  the  horses  vainly  floundered  in  the  effort 
to  draw  them  out.  The  rebels  had  pushed  their  infantry  into  the  woods 
on  their  right,  and  were  pouring  deadly  volleys  into  the  ranks  of  the 


454  THE  WAB  FOB  THE   UNION. 

Federal  troops,  which  compelled  them  to  retire.  One  gun  -vras  aban- 
doned. General  Hooker's  men  struggled  nobly  against  the  terrible  dis- 
advantages under  which  they  were  fighting, — for  the  rebels,  seeing  the 
progress  they  were  making,  sent  back  for  reinforcements,  and  they  in- 
creased during  the  day  until  not  less  than  twenty-five  thousand  of  their 
troops  turned  back  from  their  retreat. 

As  the  enemy  gradually  augmented  in  number,  the  fight  became  more 
severe,  and  was  hotly  contested  on  both  sides.  General  Hooker  had 
resolved  to  maintain  his  position.  General  Grover's  brigade,  (the  First, 
Eleventh  and  Sixteenth  Massachusetts,  and  Second  New  Hampshire,) 
was  on  the  left ;  General  Sickles'  brigade,  (the  First,  Second,  Third, 
Fourth  and  Fifth  Excelsior  of  New  York,)  and  General  Patterson's  New 
Jersey  brigade,  (the  Fifth,  Sixth,  Seventh  and  Eighth,)  occupied  posi- 
tions nearer  the  right  of  the  column.  Near  these  were  company  "  H," 
United  States  First  Artillery,  Captain  Bramhall,  and  company  "  O,'* 
New  York  Volunteer  Artillery,  Captain  Smith.  These  regiments  took 
positions  along  the  edge  of  the  woods,  and  the  artillery  opened  on  the 
forts,  when  the  struggle  became  general  nearly  along  the  whole  line. 

At  an  early  period  of  the  battle  it  was  perceived  that  the  enemy  was 
endeavoring  to  turn  the  left  of  the  Federal  line,  when  a  part  of  the  First 
and  the  Eleventh  Massachusetts  Avere  ordered  forward  to  anticipate  aiid 
prevent  the  movement.  While  the  Eleventh  was  engaged  at  a  point  about 
fifty  yards  from  the  enemy,  a  rebel  officer  displayed  a  white  flag,  and 
shouted,  "  Don't  fire  on  your  friends !  "  Colonel  Blaisdell  immediately 
ordered  his  men  to  cease  firing,  and  Michael  Doherty,  a  private  of  com- 
pany A,  stepped  forward  to  meet  the  flag,  upon  which  the  officer  called 
out  to  his  men,  "  Now,  give  it  to  them !  "  The  co^nmand  was  immediately 
obeyed,  and  a  heavy  fire  was  poured  into  the  regiment,  by  which  a  num- 
ber of  men  were  cut  down.  Doherty  fell  among  the  rest,  but  he  fired 
bis  piecef  at  the  dastardly  officer,  who  fell  dead  upon  the  spot. 

The  First  Massachusetts  remained  at  its  post,  doing  severe  execution 
among  the  enemy  until  all  its  ammunition -had  been  expended,  when  it 
was  relieved  by  the  Seventy-second  New  York,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Moses,  which  was  in  turn  relieved  by  the  Seventieth  New  York,  Col- 
onel Dwight,  who  was  also  aided  by  a  portion  of  the  Second  New 
Hampshire. 

The  reinforcements  of  the  enemy  were  pouring  in,  and  adding  contin- 
ually to  the  severity  of  the  struggle.  Colonel  Moses  was  ordered  to 
the  front,  for  the  purpose  of  silencing  a  battery  on  the  left.  He  was 
soon  confronted  with  a  most  murderous  fire,  when  he  was  relieved  by 
the  Seventieth  New  York.  The  rebel  regiments  in  front  were  reinforced 
by  another,  and  soon  successfully  engaged.  Colonel  Dwight  was  slightly 
wounded  in  the  leg,  and  Colonel  Farnum,  being  severely  wounded,  was 


BATTLE   OF   WILLIAMSBFRG. 


455 


carried  to  the  rear.  The  regiment  fought  with  determined  bravery, 
against  superior  numbers,  when  Colonel  Dwight  ordered  a  charge 
through  the  fallen  timber.  The  soldiers,  with  invigorating  cheers,  ad- 
vanced upon  the  rebels,  and  with  irresistible  ardor  put  them  to  flight. 
The  reo-iment  held  its  {)Osition  till  its  ammunition  was  exhausted,  and 
then  supplied  themselves  from  the  cartridge-boxes  of  their  dead  and 
wounded  comrades. 

On  came  the  rebel  reinforcements.  Massive  and  determined  columns 
pressed  forward,  and  at  last  the  helpless  regiment,  which  had  expended 
all  its  ammunition,  was  pressed  vigorously  by  the  enemy,  and  Colonel 
Dwight  and  many  of  his  men  were  taken  prisoners.  They  were  carried 
to  Williamsburg,  where  they  were  rescued  the  next  day,  when  the  Fed- 
eral army  reached  that  city.  The  heroism  of  this  regiment  may  be  seen 
from  the  fact  that  out  of  thirty-three  commissioned  officers  who  went 
into  tlie  action,  no  less  than  twenty-two  were  killed  or  wounded. 


CATTLE    OF   WILLIAM8BCKO. 


The  engagement  had  now  become  one'of  grand  proportions.  Two 
regiments  of  the  New  Jersey  brigade  were  conducted  by  General  Pat- 
terson to  the  front,  to  assist  in  repelling  another  attempt  of  the  enemy 
to  turn  the  Federal  left.  They  occupied  the  heavy  timber  which  inter- 
rupted the  view  of  the  enemy's  works.  When  they  advanced  they  were 
also  met.  by  fresh  regiments  of  the  enemy,  and  for  a  time  the  advantage 
alternated  between  the  contending  forces,  and  the  tide  of  battle  was 
seen  to  ebb  and  flow  on  either  side,  uncertain  as  to  the  issue.  The  forces 
of  the  enemy  suffered  severely  as  well  as  the  Federals,  who  delivered 


450  THE   WAR   FOR   THE   UNION.  * 

their  fire  while  lying  upon  the  ground.  Just  then,  Colonel  Johnson 
came  up  with  the  Eighth  New  Jersey,  in  time  to  check  the  flanking 
movement  of  the  enemy,  which  was  rapidly  reaching  round  to  the  loft. 
Again  the  orders  of  the  rebel  oflicers,  to  the  front  and  rear  were  heard, 
and  again  the  surging  columns  of  the  foe  were  met  and  driven  back.  In 
this  position  for  nearly  five  hours  the  New  Jersey  brigade  stood  the 
fire  of  superior  numbers,  and  with  all  the  coolness  and  determination 
of  veterans  resisted  the  advance  of  the  enemy.  At  a  late  hour  in  the 
day  the  arrival  of  fresh  troops<relieved  them  from  the  ground  they  had 
disputed  with  such  undaunted  courage. 

Generals  Ileintzelman  and  Sumner  united  their  commands  toward 
the  right,  on  the  line  of  the  Yorktown  road.  General  Hooker,  finding 
himself  so  severely  pressed,  sent  to  General  Ileintzelman  for  reinforce- 
ments, but  he  was  away,  and  the  message  was  read  and  returned  to 
General  Hooker  by  General  Sumner,  who  endorsed  it,  "opened  and 
read  by  the  senior  officer  on  the  field."  After  some  time  spent  in  pain- 
ful suspense  by  General  Hooker,he  was  cheered  by  the  arrival  of  Gen- 
eral Peck  with  his  brigade,  forming  the  advance  of  General  Couch's 
division,  which  arrived  on  the  ground  at  one  o'clock,  having  marched 
up  from  Lee's  Mills,  ten  or  twelve  miles,  that  morning,  in  the  midst  of  a 
pouring  rain,  and  through  mud  ankle  deep.  General  Hooker  being  sorely 
pressed,  the  men  were  marched  at  once  into  the  field,  taking  a  position 
on  his  right,  in  the  centre  of  the  army,  where  they  were  at  once  ex- 
posed to  the  full  force  of  the  enemy's  fire.  For  two  hours  they  held 
their  position  against  terrible  odds..  Twice  they  were  driven  back,  and 
twice  they  rallied  again,  and  recovered  their  ground. 

When  the  brigade  first  reached  the  field,  the  One  Hundred  and 
Second  Pennsylvania  advanced  to  the  front,  delivered  its  fire,  and  fell 
back,  giving  place  to  the  Ninety-eighth  Pennsylvania,  which  held  the 
ground  until  the  One  Hundred  and  Second  rallied,  and  the  two  main- 
tained the  position.  The  Fifty-fifth  New  York,  De  Trobrian's  Zouaves, 
came  up  on  the  left  and  then  retired,  while  the  Sixty-second  New  York 
held  the  rebels  in  check,  and  the  One  Hundred  and  Second  and  Ninety- 
eighth  Pennsylvania  delivered  a  cross-fire.  The  Fifty-fifth  then  formed 
a  new  line  of  battle,  and  .advanced  to  the  support  of  the  Sixty-second, 
and  the  Ninety-third  Pennsylvania  came  up  and  opened  fire  on  a  battery 
commanding  the  road,  until  the  rebels  were  driven  back  at  all  points. 

The  Federal  reinforcements  were  at  last  coming  up  to  the  scene  of 
action.  Urgent  requests  for  aid  had  been  sent  to  the  rear,  and  Gover- 
nor Sprague  rode  back  from  the  field  to  Yorktown,  to  report  the  facts 
to  General  ]\IcClellan  and  urge  forward  the  requisite  assistance.  In  the 
mean  time  General  Kearney,  with  his  division,  a  part  of  General  Ileint- 
zelm.ir's  corps,  1i:ul   received  orders  from  him  to  press  on  with  the 


BATTLE    OF   WILLIAMSBURG.  457 

utmost  haste,  which  was  done.  He  arrived,  closely  followed  by  General 
Berry,  with  his  brigade,  when  they  took  a  position  on  the  extreme  left, 
in  order  to  prevent  flanking  by  the  enemy.  The  Third  Michigan  was 
ordered  to  the  left  as  a  support,  while  General  Berry  moved  forward 
with  the  remaining  regiments,  arriving  on  the  ground  at  about  half- 
past  two  o'clock,  p.  M.  The  Fifth  Michigan,  Colonel  Terry,  proceeded 
to  the  left  of  the  road,  in  front  of  some  fallen  timber  and  the  rifle-pits, 
while  the  Thirty-seventh  New  York,  Colonel  Hayman,  went  still  further 
to  the  left.  The  Second  Michigan  occupied  a  position  on  the  right  of 
the  road.  As  soon  as  .these  arrangements  were  completed,  an  order 
was  given  for  the  troops  under  General  Berry  to  advance  and  charge, 
which  they' did  in  a  splendid  manner,  driving  the  enemy  entirely  out  of 
the  timber.  At  this  charge  the  enemy  lost  sixty-three  men  killed.  The 
rebels,  being  posted  in  tTie  rifle-pits,  caused  the  Federal  troops  much 
annoyance.  The  Fifth,  Michigan,  however,  soon  compelled  them  to  re- 
treat, although  it  lost  a  great  many  of  its  men  in  the  effort. 

The  enemy  had  the  advantage  of*  protection,  while  the  Union  men 
were  obliged  to  expose  themselves  in  bold  relief.  The  Federal  bullets 
could  not  penetrate  the  earth- works  around  the  rifle-pits,  and  the  only 
way  to  drive  the  enemy  out  was  to  make  a  bayonet  charge.  This  charge 
was  made  in  splendid  style  by  the  Fifth  Michigan  in  front,  and  the 
Thirtj'-seventh  New  York  at  the  left,  the  men  pushing  up  to  the  pits 
near  enough  to  bayonet  the  riflemen  behind  them.  By  this  charge  con- 
siderable loss  was  occasioned  on  both  sides. 

When  General  Kearney's  troops  were  coming  into  action,  they  met 
the  lengthened  files  of  General  Hooker's  wounded  being  carried  to  the 
rear.  The  shrieks  of  the  lacerated  and  bleeding  soldiers,  who  had  been 
fighting  so  long  and  so  well,  pierced  the  air,  and  this,  joined  to  the  mud 
and  rain,  and  the  exhaustion  of  those  who  had  come  several  miles  on  a 
forced  march,  was  not  calculated  to  produce  a  favorable  impression  on 
them  as  they  were  going  into  action.  General  Heintzelman,  however, 
ordered  several  of  the  bands  to  strike  up  national  and  martial  airs ;  and, 
when  the  strains  of  these  familiar  tunes  reached  the  ears  of  the 
wounded,  their  cheers  mingled  with  those  of  the  soldiers  who  were  just 
rushing  into  the  battle.  The  effect  was  wonderful  on  the  other  side ; 
for  some  of  the  prisoners  state  that  when  they  heard  the  bands  strike 
up  the  Star-Spangled  Banner,  followed  by  that  enthusiastic  cheer,  they 
knew  that  the  victory  would  be  ours. 

The  Third  and  Fourth  Maine  regiments  having  been  detached  from 
General  Birney's  brigade,  and  temporarily  assigned  to  General  Emory, 
Genei'al  Birney  came  forward  with  the  two  remaining  regiments, — the 
Thirty-eighth  New  York,  Colonel  J.  II.  Ward,  and  the  F'ortieth  New 
York,  Colonel  t^eilly.     These  were  deployed  to  the  right  of  the  Ilamp- 


458  THE   WAR   FOR  THE   UXION. 

ton  road,  and,  like  those  under  General  Berry  on  the  left,  relieved  frag- 
ments of  regiments  which  had  borne  the  brunt  of  the  battle  since  its 
commencement.  All  this  time  the  rebel  artillery  was  sending  a  rapid 
fire  into  the  Federal  ranks. 

The  Thirty-eighth  New  York  regiment  was  ordered  to  charge  down 
the  road  and  take  the  enemy's  rifle  pits  in  front  by  the  flank.  Colonel 
Ward  led  seven  companies  of  his  regiment  in  this  most  brilliant  and 
successful  charge.  The  other  three  companies,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Strong,  were  doing  efficient  service  in  an  adjacent  portion  of  the  field. 

The  battle  had  now  been  raging  uninterruptedly  from  an  early  hour 
in  the  morning,  and  seemed  at  last  to  be  checked  by  the  heroic  conduct 
and  successful  charge  of  General  Kearney's  troops.  Tlie  extreme  left 
was  still  heavily  pressed,  howevOr,  by  the  obstinate  force  of  the  rebels 
in  tliat  part  of  the  line. 

To  General  Hancock  was  intrusted  the  most  dangerous,  because  the 
boldest  manoeuvre  of  the  day.  He  passed  with  his  brigade — the  Fifth 
Wisconsin,  Colonel  Cobb ;  the  Sixth  iNIaine,  Colonel  Burnham ;  the 
Forty-ninth  Peimsylvania,  Colonel  Lowrie  ;  the  seventh  Maine,  Colonel 
Mason,  and  the  Thirty-third  New  York,  Colonel  R.  F.  Taylor,  supported 
by  Lieutenant  Cowan's  and  Captain  Wheeler's  batteries — to  the  right, 
for  a  mile  parallel  to  the  front,  but  completely  hidden  by  the  forest. 
Thence  across  a  fifty-acre  heath  edged  with  timber,  north  to  the  extreme 
left  of  the  enemy's  line  of  works.  At  this  point  the  rebels  had 
dammed  a  creek  which  empties  into  York  river,  and-  straight  across  the 
narrow  causeway  frowned  an  earthwork,  which  looked  imposing  as  a 
castle  from  its  commanding  position  on  the  opposite  hill. 

General  Hancock  found  this  singular  defence  deserted,  but  it  was 
with  caution  his  skirmishers  ventured  across  the  dam  and  planted  the 
Federal  flag  on  the  parapet,  fifty  feet  above  water  mark.  Then  the 
whole  force  went  over  at  double-quick,  turned  to  the  left,  and  followed 
a  narrow,  dangerous  road,  a  gorge  cut  in  the  hill-side  by  the  pond,  till 
it  emerged  in  turn,  from  the  east,  on  the  open  battle-field. 

A  splendid  picture  •met  the  eye.  Two  miles  distant  Hooker  was 
fighting  the  rebels  on  the  other  side  of  Fort  Page.  From  the  latter 
point  the  rebel  artillery  was  playing  upon  his  lines.  Between  Hancock 
and  the  fort  were  two  lesser  works,  at  intervals  of  half  a  mile.  Their 
garrisons  quickly  retreated  on  seeing  him,  and  retired  on  the  main 
force — the  movement  before  practiced  on  the  left,  and  one  which  plainly 
indicated  that  the  rebel  force  was  too  small  to  hold  the  line.  But  it 
was  also  evident,  from  the  determined  stand  made  in  and  near  Fbrt 
Page,  that  the  rear  guard  was  under  orders  to  make  a  desperate  main- 
tenance of  its  position. 

Althougli  Hancock  had  a  regiment  with  him  besides  bis  own,  yet  his 


BATTLE   OF   WILLIAMSBURG.  459 

force  was  scarcely  five  thousand,  all  told,  and  totally  separated  from  the 
main  body.  If  overpowered  in  front,  retreat  would  be  utterly  impos- 
sible through  the  narrow  gorge  behind  them.  General  Keyes  appeared 
on  the  field  at  this  moment,  and  told  General  Hancock  that  he  did  not 
visit  him  to  assume  the  command  as  ranking-ofiicer,  but  to  see  him, 
Hancock,  "  carry  the  left."  General  Keyes  at  once  sent  back  for  a  sup- 
port of  cavalry  and  artillery.  This  was  about  one  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon. For  some  reason,  General  Sumner  omitted  ordering  the  rein- 
forcements forward. 

A  regiment  was  soon  in  the  enemy's  deserted  works  (No.  3  from 
York  river).  The  old  flag  was  raised  with  wild  cheers  from  its  parapet ; 
and  eight  cannon  were  quickly  unlimbered  in  the  field  beyond.  A 
smaller,  intermediate  outwork  was  still  held  between  this  and  Fort  Ma- 
gruder.  In  front  of  it  a  line  of  rebel  skirmishers  deployed,  but  were 
quickly  dispersed  and  forced  to  retire.  In  five  minutes  the  Union  guns 
were  playing,  some  on  the  great  fort  at  six  hundred  yards  distance, 
the  rest  on  the  woods  to  the  north,  through  which  the  rebels  were  re- 
treating on  their  main  body. 

Just  then  the  clouds  broke  away  in  the  west,  and  a  flood  of  light 
came  in  upon  the  whole  panorama.  Nothing  could  be  more  beautiful 
and  inspiriting.  The  deserted  rebel  forts,  surmounted  with  Federal 
colors ;  Hancock's  infantry  awaiting  orders  in  battle  line ;  a  signal  offi- 
cer waving  to  the  centre  his  flag-signals  from  the  parapet  of  work  No. 
3 ;  the  long  fire-belching,  smoke-canopied  curve  of  Fort  Page  in  the 
distance ;  still  further  beyond,  white  flashes,  and  huge  clouds  of  smoke 
appearing  from  Hooker's  battle-ground  on  the  left,  of  whose  desperate 
contest  the  stunning  roll  of  musketry  and  roar  of  cannon  gave  true  token 
— all  these  combined  formed  a  broad  battle-picture  worthy  of  Yarney. 

Wheeler's  artillery  fired  with  precision  and  rapidity  for  an  hour,  the 
fort  answering  gun  for  gun.  But  the  rebel  infantry  seemed  to  have  their 
hands  full  in  managing  Hooker,  and  as  it  was  not  yet  practicable  to  storm 
the  fort,  the  Union  forces  found  little  to  do,  and  stood  under  fire  of  the 
artillery  with  small  loss,  awaiting  a  share  in  the  business.  It  was  not 
long  in  coming,  and  came  in  the  shape  which  more  than  one  observer 
had  feared  from  the  outset.  It  was  preceded  at  four  o'clock  by  one  of 
those  dead,  ominous  half-hour  pauses  which  so  often  make  the  decisive, 
turn  of  an  engagement.  Many  thought  the  enemy  were  retreating. 
Others,  who  have  had  occasion  to  dread  these  still  and  awful  lapses 
from  the  bloody  work  of  a  field-day,  prognosticated  an  unknown  danger 
impending  close  at  hand. 

Suddenly  there  burst  from  tl  e  woods  on  the  right  flank  a  battalion 
of  rebel  cavalry !  Then,  to  the  right  and  left  of  the  horse,  thr'ee  regi- 
ments of  infantry  supporting  it  I 


4G0 


THE    AVAR    FOK   THE    UNIOX. 


But  General  Hancock  was  equal  to  the  crisis.  Forming  his  infantry 
against  this  sudden  attack,  he  held  them  in  magnificent  order,  while 
the  rebel  foot  and  horse  came  on,  cheering,  firing,  and  charging  in  gal- 
lant and  imposing  style.  Wheeler's  battery  turned  and  poured  hot 
volleys  into  them  as  they  came,  and  over  five  thousand  muskets  riddled 
thehi  through  and  through.  But  they  kept  on — nearer — nearer — closing 
up,  cheering,  and  sure  of  their  power  to  sweep  the  Federals  before  them. 


Thus  they  came,  swifter  than  it  can  be  told,  until  their  line,  now 
broken  and  irregular,  was  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  unwavering 
columns.  Then  Hancock  showed  himself  the  coolest  and  bravest  of  the 
brave.  .Taking  off  his  hat,  and  using  the  courtly  prefix  of  the  olden 
time,  he  said:  '■'•  Ready  ^  no70  f  Gentlemen,  chakge  !  "  The  whole  line 
swept  forward,  as  the  reaper's  sickle  rushes  through  the  grain.  Its 
keen  edge  had  not  yet  touched  the  enemy,  when  his  ranks  broke  sim- 
ultaneously, fled  in  confusion  to  the  rear,  and  the  field  of  Williamsburg 
was  won. 

About  five  o'clock  p.  m.  some  excitement  was  caused  in  the  rear,  and 
soon  an  officer,  with  his  staff,  rode  to  the  opening  in  the  woods  where 
he  could  get  a  view  of  the  field.  It  was  General  McClellan.  The  mo- 
ment he  was  seen,  loud  and  deafening  olieers  rose  up  along  the  lines  of 
the  centre,  and  rolled  away  to  the  right  and  left,  imparting  a  new  en- 
thusiasm to  the  forces.  The  chief  officers  were  quickly  consulted,  and 
reinforcements  were  sent  to  the  aid  of  Hancock  and  Hooker.    Hancock's 


J  BATTLE    OF   •WILLIAMSBTJUG.  461 

brilliant  and  successful  charge  hjvi  already  won  the  day  on  the  right,- 
and  the  effect  of  it  in  the  panic  and  rout  of  the  rebels  was  becoming 
sensibly  felt  in  front  of  Hooker's  division,  when  the  long-looked  for 
assistance  came  to  his  side.  The  rebels  promptly  retired,  and  the 
desperate  struggle  of  the  day  closed  on  a  splendidly  contested  field. 
The  men  were  compelled  to  bivouack  on  the  ground,  with  the  rain 
still  falling,  in  proud  anticipation  of  a  renewal  of  the  conflict  in.  the 
morning. 

-  The  rebels  had  been  reinforced  as  late  as  five  o'clock,  and  it  was 
expected  that  General  Johnston  Avould  command  them  in  the  morning 
in  person,  but  the  opportune  appearance  of  the  Federal  reinforcements, 
together  with  the  successful  movements  of  General  Hancock,  created  a 
panic  among  them,  and  they  fell  back  on  Williamsburg,  and  commenced 
their  hasty  retreat  from  that  place.  At  two  o'clock  on  Tuesday  morn- 
ing the  Federal  forces  began  to  move.  As  they  approached  Williams- 
burg they  found  the  way  clear,  and  on  coming  up  to  the  city  the  rear 
guard  of  the  foe  were  flying  on  the  road  toward  Richmond,  leaving  the 
town  to  be  occupied  by  the  Federal  troops.  General  McClellan  ap^ 
pointed  General  Jameson  Military  Governor  of  the  place,  and  the  troops 
marched  through  the  main  street  of  the  city  to  the  homely,  but  glorious 
and  soul-stirring  strains  of  "  Yankee  Doodle." 

The  houses,  churches,  barns  and  stables  were  found  filled  Avith  the 
•wounded  of  the-  rebel  army,  as  well  as  the  Federals  whom  they  had 
taken  prisoners.  It  was  a  sad,  heart-rending  scene,  those  brave  soldiers 
mangled,  dying  and  dead.  The  Federal  troops  immediately  commenced 
the  work  of  burial,  while  the  surgeons  found  incessant  occupation  in 
the  discharge  of  their  duties.  The  battle  field  presented  a  frightful 
scene  of  carnage,  and  several  days  passed  before  all  the  dead  and 
■wounded  stragglers  were  found  in  the  woods  and  among  the  under- 
brush where  they  had  fallen. 

The  loss  of  the  Federals  was  about  500  killed,  1,600  wounded,  and 
C23  prisoners.  That  of  the  rebels  was  somewhat  greater  in  kiDed  and 
wounded.  Five  hundred  prisoners  fell  into  Federal  hands.  Some  hun- 
dred of  the  rebel  dead  were  buried  on  the  day  following  the  battle. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Irwin,  of  the  Eighth  Alabama,  formerly  United 
States  Senator,  was  found  dead  on  the  field. 

Thirty-five  regiments  of  the  rebels  were  engaged  in  tne  action,  that 
number  being  represented  by  the  wounded  men  left  after  the  battle. 


462  THB  WAB  FOB  THE   UNION. 

BATTLE   OF   WEST   POINT,  VA. 

Mat  7,  1862. 

West  Point  is  the  name  given  to  the  landing-place  at  the  head  of  the 
York  river,  which  is  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  Pamunkey  and 
Mattapony  rivers,  and  is  thirty  miles  above  Yorktown. 

After  the  evacuation  of  that  place,  and  the  entrance  of  the  Federal 
troops,  the  Union  army  proceeded  in  its  advance  toward  Richmond 
by  different  routes,  as  already  detailed.  One  column  marched  by  the 
land  route,  under  Ileintzelman,  Sumner,  Hooker,  Kearney  and  Keyes, 
while  General  Franklin  led  his  corps  by  transports  up  the  York 
riyer  to  West  Point,  leaving  Yorktown  at  nine  o'clock,  on  Tuesday 
morning,  May  6th.  The  banks  of  the  river  presented  a  fine  appear- 
ance, and  white  flags  were  displayed  from  many  of  the  houses. 
The  house  of  Mr.  Bigler,  a  firm  loyalist,  was  almost  covered  with 
an  immense  flag,  bearing  the  stars  and  stripes,  while  one  of  the 
Jadies  of  the  house  waved  the  beautiful  emblem  of  peace  along  its 
folds,  from  one  of  the  windows.-  The  rebels  had  set  fire  to  a  valu- 
able mill  belonging  to  Mr.  Bigler,  and  its  ruins  were  still  sending  up 
great  clouds  of  smoke  into  the  air,  a  lurid  witness  of  the  destruction 
which  had  marked  their  progress.  The  army  arrived  at  West  Point 
about  two  o'clock,  p.  m.,  and  commenced  its  disembarkation. 

In  consequence  of  the  shallowness  of  the  approach  by  water,  it  be- 
came necessary  to  use  pontoon  boats  and  scows  to  facilitate  the  land- 
ing. Operations  were  therefore  slow ;  but  the  troops  were  landed  by 
midnight.  The  rebels  did  not  dispute  the  landing.  Pickets  were  im- 
mediately thrown  out  into  the  woods  in  front,  the  roads  leading  to  the 
landing-place  examined,  and  trees  were  thrown  across  the  roads.  The 
pickets  were  occasionally  engaged  during  the  night,  but  only  two  or 
three  of  the  Federals  were  lost  in  these  irregular  skirmishes.  The  night 
was  spent  in  active  labors  and  in  jealously  watching  the  movements  of 
tlie  foe. 

At  half-past  three  o'clock  the  next  morning,  the  whole  division  was 
under  arms.  At  six  o'clock  information  that  the  enemy  was  approach- 
ing was  received,  and  the  troops  prepared  at  once  to  meet  him. 
The  Gosline  Zouaves,  (Pennsylvania,)  New  York  Sixteenth,  Eigh- 
teenth, Thirty-first  and  Thirty-second,  and  Maine  Fifth  were  ordered 
to  take  the  advance ;  the  New  Jersey  brigade  following  them  up  as 
a  reserve.  The  Fourth  New  Jersey  having  in  its  front  a  marsh,  and 
immediately  on  its  far  side  a  piece  of  woods,  from  which  the  enemy 
could  fire  upon  it  with  advantage,  Colonel  Simpson  ordered  his  fine 
body  of  pioneers  to  throw  a  bridge  over  the  creek.    This  was  the  work 


BATTLE   OF   WEST   POlM".  465> 

of  a  iew  moments,  and  his  regiment,  by  direction  of  Colonel  Taylor, 
took  possession  of  tlie  woods,  and  were  strongly  posted  behind  a  ravine, 
ready  to  deliver  a  telling  fire  upon  the  rebels,  in  the  contingency  of  the 
Fifth  Maine,  immediately  in  front,  being  driven  back.  This  contin- 
gency, however,  did  not  occur. 

The  Thirty-second  Xew  York,  Colonel  Matteson,  of  Newton's  bri- 
gade, was  directed  to  clear  the  wood  of  rebels,  who  had. made  their 
presence  known  to  the  pickets.  The  Sixteenth  New  York  was  ordered 
to  the  same  work  in  other  portions  of  the  wood.  The  Thirty-second 
proceeded  to  execute  their  duty.  Entering  the  wood  they  came  upon 
a  ravine,  at  the  bottom  of  which  they  were  fired  upon  by  the  rebel 
skirmishers.  They  charged  at  once,  delivering  a  galling  fire  upon  the 
enemy's  position.  The  enemy  retired,  the  troops  following  until  a  sec- 
ond ravine  appeared  in  view.  In  attempting  to  cross  this  the  rebels  from 
the  other  side  again  poured  a  volley  into  them  with  considerable  eflfect. 
They  had  not,  however,  the  power  to  drive  back  the  Federal  troops, 
who  gallantly  pursued  the  rebels,  delivering  their  fire  upon  them,  or 
rather  upon  their  position,  for  they  kept  themselves  adroitly  concealed 
by  the  woods.  At  a  third  and  last  ravine,  the  rebels  had  erected  a 
breastAvork  on  the  opposite  side,  from  which  they  opened  on  the  Fed- 
erals with  small  arms,  and  grape  and  canister  from  mountain  howitzers. 
The  Thirty-second  charged  gallantly  up  to  within  a  few  feet  of  the  work, 
but  were  forced  to  fall  back  from  the  superior  force  of  the  enemy.  They 
retired  in  admirable  order.  There  were  only  seven  companies  of  the 
Thirty-second  regiment  engaged  against  Alabama,  Texas,  South  Caro- 
lina and  Tennessee  troops. 

At  two  o'clock,  p.  M.,  the  gunboats,  three  in  number,  opened  fire  upon 
the  enemy  from  their  large  guns,  the  shells  apparently  taking  effect  in 
the  right  quarter,  for  the  enemy  soon  afterwards  retired,  their  battery 
being  silenced  on  the  first  shot  from  the  boats.  The  enemy's  retreat 
could  be  traced  by  the  line  of  smoke  in  his  rear.  The  retreating  rebels 
were  evidently  attempting  to  destroy  every  thing  on  their  route.  The 
Sixteenth  and  Thirty-first  regiments.  New  York  Volunteers,  were  also 
engaged  with  the  enemy  in  the  woods.  The  loss  of  the  Thirty-second 
regiment  New  York  Volunteers  was  nearly  one  hundred  in  killed  and 
wounded.  Three  officers, — Captain  Young,  of  company  D;  Captain 
Brown,  of  company  C,  and  Lieutenant  Wallace,  of  company  G — were 
killed,  and  Lieutenant  Stone,  of  company  B,  and  Lieutenant  Twaddle,  ot 
company  F,  wounded  severely,  and  thirteen  privates  were  killed.  The 
total  loss  in  the  different  regiments  of  Newton's  brigade  was  about  two 
hundred  in  killed,  Avounded  and  missing.  The  loss  of  the  rebels  was 
heavy,  as  was  presumed  from  the  fact  that  they  were  seen  from  the 
transports  carrying  off  their  dead  and  wounded  in  great  numbers. 


464  THE    WAR   FOE  THE   UNION 

Most  of  the  Federal  regiments  that  took  part  in  this  engagement 
suffered  severely,  and  many  prisoners  were  taken  by  the  rebels.  The 
timely  service  rendered  by  the  gunboats  was  mainly  instrumental  in 
defeating  the  enemy. 

Captain  Montgomery,  of  General  Xewton's  staff,  had  a  most  extra- 
ordinary escape  from  the  Hampton  Legion,  into  whose  picket  lines  he 
became  entrapped.  Captain  Montgomery  knew  that  only  the  utmost 
Belf-possession  could  extricate  him  from  his  difficulty,  and  he  coolly  saluted 
them.  They  supposed  he  was  a  rebel  officer,  and  asked  him  how  far 
General  Hampton  was  from  them.  Montgomery  told  them  he  had  left 
him  about  ten  rods  distant,  and  said,  "  Now,  boys,  the  General  expects 
you  to  do  your  duty  to-day ! "  and  turned  his  horse  slowly  around  to 
retire.  But  the  rebels  saw  the  "  U.  S."  on  his  cap,  and  immediately 
sprang  to  their  feet,  while  the  Captain  was  dashing  with  all  the  speed 
of  his  horse  down  the  road.  But  too  late.  A  volley  of  minie  rille  balls 
whistled  round  him,  and  his  horse  fell  dead,  pierced  by  seven  balls.  He 
fell  upon  Captain  Montgomery's  leg,  giving  him  several  severe  bruises. 
The  Captain  fell  back,  with  his  head  in  a  ditch,  where  he  lay  some  ten 
minutes,  pretending  to  be  dead.  The  rebels  came  up  to  him,  talking, 
swearing,  and  making  their  comments  on  the  Yankee,  while  they  rifle<h 
his  pockets. 

The  brave  fellow  lay  perfectly  still,  holding  his  breath,  while  these 
rude  men  were  searching  his  person ;  but  a  sense  of  his  ludicrous  posi- 
tion came  upon  him  too  strongly,  and  he  burst  into  a  hearty  fit  of  laugh- 
ter, much  lo  the  astonishment  of  those  Avho  believed  themselves  to  be 
pillaging  a  dead  body.  • 

Of  course,  there  was  no  avoiding  his  fate  now,  and  he  surrendered 
himself  a  prisoner  of  war,  with  the  merry  laughter  still  bright  upon  his 
face.  His  captors  were  greatly  annoyed  by  his  coolness  and  his  "  sham- 
ming," and  were  leading  him  «ff  to  headquarters,  when  a  couple  of 
shells  came  whizzing  through  the  air  and  exploding  in  their  midst,  dis- 
persed them.  Captain  Montgomery  seized  the  opportunity,  and  plung- 
ing into  the  woods  found  his  way  to  the  Federal  lines,  where,  after  a 
little  rest,  he  moimted  another  horse  and  joined  the  fight  again. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


1860. 

Nov.  8.  The  8 lection  of  Abraham  Lin- 
coln and  Hannibal  Hamlin,  as  President 
and  Vice  President  of  the  United  States, 
wag  announced  at  Washington. 

9-11.  James  Chesnut,  Jr.,  and  James  H. 
Hammond,  U.  S.  Senators  from  South  Car- 
olina, resigned  their  seals  in  the  Senate. 

Dec.  3.  The  Second  Session  of  the  36th 
Congress  opened  at  Washington. 

10.  U.  S.  House  of  Representatives  ap- 
pointed a  Committee  of  33  on  the  State  of 
the  Union. 

10.  Howell  Cobb,  of  Georgia,  Secretary 
of  the  U.  S.  Treasury,  resigned  his  office. 
John  A.  Dix,  of  New  York,  was  appointed 
his  successor. 

14.  Lewis  Cass,  of  Michigan,  Secretary 
of  StJate,  resigned. 

17.  Meeting  of  the  South  Carolina  State 
Convention  at  Columbus,  and  adjournment 
to  Charleston. 

20.  The  South  Carolina  "  Ordinance  of 
Secession  "  passed. 

23.  Discovery  of  a  large  embezzlement 
of  the  Indian  Trust  Funds,  in  charge  of 
Jacob  Thompson,  Secretary  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  the  Interior. 

24.  Resignation  of  the  South  Carolina 
Representatives  in  Congress. 

25.  Intervention  of  citizens  of  Pitts- 
burgh, Pa.,  to  prevent  the  removal  to  the 
South  of  ordnance  ia^lleghany  Arsenal 

26.  Major  Anderson  removed  his  com- 
mand from  Fort  Moultrie  to  Fort  Sumter. 

.  26.  Messrs.  Barnwell,  Orr,  and  Adams, 
Commissioners  appointed  by  South  Caro- 
lina to  treat  with  the  Federal  Government, 
arrived  at  Wasliington. 

27.  Captain  N.  L.  Coste,  U.S.R.  service, 
in  commanil  of  tlie  cutter  William  Aiken, 
betrayed  his  vessel  into  the  hands  of  the 
State  authorities  of  South  Carolina. 

28.  The  i)alinetto  flag  was  raised  over 
the  custom-liouse  and  post-office  in  Charles- 
ton, S.  C,  and  Castle  Pinckuey  and  Fort 
Moultrie  were  occupied  by  the  South  Car- 
olina military. 

28.  Enthusiastic  Union  meeting  at  Mem- 
phis, Tenn, 

28.  Twenty  one  guns  were  fired  at  Wil- 

30 


Inington,  Del.,  in  honor  of  Major  Anderson 
and  his  men. 

29.  John  B.  Floyd  resigned  his  position 
as  Secretary  of  War. 

30.  South  Carolina  troops  took  posses- 
sion of  the  U.S.  Arsenal  at  Charleston,  con- 
taining many  thousand  stand  of  arms  and 
valuable  military  stores. 

1861. 

Jan.  2.  Gov.  Ellis,  of  North  Carolina, 
dispatched  troops  to  seize  Fort  Macon,  the 
forts  at  Wilmington,  and  the  U.S.  Arsenal 
at  Fayetteville. 

3.  Fort  Pulaski,  at  Savannah,  Ga.,  taken 
possession  of  by  Georgia  troops,  by  order 
of  the  Governor. 

3.  South  Carolina  Commissioners  left 
Wasiiington  for  Charleston,  the  President 
declining  to  receive  any  official  communi- 
cation from  them. 

4.  United  States  Arsenal  at  Mobile  seized 
by  secessionists.     No  defence. 

4.  Fast  day,  by  proclamation  of  Presi- 
dent Buchanan. 

4.  Fort  Morgan,  at  the  entrance  of  Mo- 
bile Bay,  taken  and  garrisoned  by  200  Al- 
abama troops. 

5.  Steamship  Star  of  the  West  sailed 
from  New  York  with  troops  and  provisions 
for  Fort  Sumter. 

V.  Meeting  of  Alabama  State  Conven- 
tion.    , 

7.  Meeting  of  Mississippi  State  Conven- 
tion. 

7.  Meeting  of  Virginia  Legislature. 

7.  Meeting  of  Tennessee  Legislature. 

8.  Jacob  Thompson  resigned  iiis  place  in 
the  Cabinet,  as  Secretary  of  the  Interior. 

8.  United  States  sub-Treasury  at  Char- 
leston seized. 

9.  Mississippi  Ordinance  of  Secession 
passed.  * 

9.  Steamship  Star  of  the  West,  with 
supplies  for  Fort  Sumter,  fired  into  from 
Morris'  Island  and  Fort  Moultrie,  and  driv- 
en from  Charleston  harbor. 

11.  Louisiana  State  trr^ps,  under  Cap- 
tain Bradford,  took  possession  of  the  U.S. 
marine  hospital,  two  miles  below  New  Or- 
leans, and  ordered  the  removal  of  the  pa- 
tients, 216  in  number. 


466 


THE   WAR   FOE   THE   UNION. 


Feb.  1801. 


Jan.  11.  Florida  Convention  adopted  an 
Ordinance  of  Secession  by  a  vote  of  62  to '7. 

11.  Alabama  Convention  adopted  an  Or- 
dinance of  Secession  by  a  vote  of  61  to  39. 

11.  Abolition  meeting  at  Rochester,  N. 
Y.,  broken  up  by  a  mob. 

1 2.  Senator  Seward's  great  Union  speech 
in  the  U.S.  Senate, 

12.  Fort  Barrancas  and  the  Navy  Yard 
at  Pensacola,  Fla.,  seized  by  rebel  troops. 

16.  Col.  Ilayne,  Commissioner  from 
South  Carolina  to  Washington,  demanded 
the  withdrawal  of  the  garrison  of  Fort 
Sumter. 

15.  U.  S.  coast  survey  schooner  Dana 
seized  b}'  Florida  State  authorities. 

18.  Massachusetts  Legislature  unani- 
motisly  tendered  to  the  President  of  the  U.  S. 
such  aid  in  men  and  money  as  he  might  re- 
quest to  maintain  the  authority  of  the  gen- 
eral government. 

19.  Convention  of  Georgia  adopted  a  se- 
cession ordinance  by  a  vote  of  208  to  89. 

21.  Jefferson  Davis,  of  Mississippi,  with- 
drew from  U.S.  Senate. 

24.  U.  S.  arsenal  at  Augusta,  Ga.,  sur- 
rendered to  the  State  authorities. 

26.  Louisiana  Convention  passed  an  or- 
dinance of  secession  by  a  vote  of  113  to  17. 
The  popular  vote  afterwards  taken  was 
20,448  for;  17,296  against. 

29.  U.  S.  revenue  cutter  Robert  McClel- 
land, Captain  Breshwood,  surrendered  to 
State  of  Louisiana. 

29.  Secretary  Dix's  dispatch  to  Hemphill 
Jones  at  New  Orleans, "  If  any  one  attempts 
to  haul  down  the  American  flag,  shoot  him 
on  the  spot." 

31.  South  Carolina  authorities  ofifered  to 
buy  Fort  Sumter. 

31.  U.  S.  branch  mint  and  custom-house 
at  New  Orleans  seized  by  State  authorities. 

Feb.  1.  Texas  Convention  at  Galveston 
passed  an  ordinance  of  secession,  to  be 
voted  on  by  the  people  on  the  28d  of  Feb- 
ruary, and  to  take  effect  March  2. 

1.  U.  S.  revenue  cutter  Lewis  Cass,  Capt. 
Morrison,  surrendered  to  the  State  of  Lou- 
isiana. 

4.  A  convention  of  delegates  from  the  se- 
eeded  States  organized  at  Montgomery,  Al- 
fibama;  Ilowell  Cobb,  President,  J.  F. 
Hooper,  Secretary. 

5.  Peace  Convention  at  Washington  or- 
ganized ;  John  Tyler,  of  Va.,  Chairman,  J. 
C.  Wright,  of  Ohio,  Secretary. 

8.  Congress  at  Montgomery  adopted  a 
Constitution  for  a  provisional  government, 
to  go  into  immediate  operation  ;  Jefferson 
Davis,  President,  Alex.  U.  Stephens,  Vice 
President. 

8    U.  S.  arsenal  at  Little  Rock,  Ark., 


with  9,000  stand  of  arms  and  40  cannon, 
(fee,  was  surrendered  to  State  authorities. 

13.  The  election  of  Lincoln  and  Uamlin, 
as  President  and  V.  President  of  the  U.  S., 
formally  declared  in  the  Senate  by  John  C. 
Breckinridge,  V.  President. 

18.  Jefferson  Davis  inaugurated  as  Pres- 
ident of  the  Southern  Confederacy. 

22.  John  Ross,  principal  Cherokee  Chief, 
rejected  a  proposition  of  Gov.  H,  M.  Rec- 
tor, of  Ark.,  to  entice  his  nation  to  take 
part  in  the  rebellion. 

23.  Hon.  Abraham  Lincoln,  President 
elect,  arrived  in  Washington. 

23.  U.  S.  property  to  a  great  amount, 
together  with  the  various  army  posts  in 
Texas,  surrendered  to  the  rebels  by  Gene- 
ral Twiggs.  Property  valued  at  $1,500,000, 
besides  buildings. 

27.  Peace  Convention,  at  Washington, 
submitted  to  the  Senate  a  plan  of  adjust- 
ment of  the  national  difficulties,  involving 
seven  amenduientsto  the  Constitution, 

March  1.  General  Twiggs  expelled 
from  the  army  of  the  United  States. 

2.  Revenue  cutter  Dodge  seized  in  Gal- 
veston Bay  by  Texas  authorities. 

4.  Abraham  Lincoln  inaugurated  16th 
President  of  the  U.  S  ,  at  Washington. 

4.  A  State  Convention  declared  Texas 
out  of  the  Union. 

6.  Gen.  P.  T.  Beauregard  took  command 
of  the  forces  investing  p'ort  Sumter,  S.  C. 

6.  Fort  Brown,  Texas,  stirrendered  to 
State  troops. 

18.  Supplies  cut  off  from  Fort  Pickens 
and  the  Federal  fleet  in  the,Gulf  of  Mexico,' 
by  rebel  authorities  at  Pensacola. 

20.  Sloop  Lsabel,  at  Pensacola,  with  pro- 
vision for  the  Federal  fleet,  was  seized  by 
the  rebels. 

21.  Great  speech  of  A.  H.  Stephens,  V. 
President  of  the  Southern  Confeder&cj',  at 
Savannah,  Ga. 

30.  Mississippi  State  Convention  ratified 
the  Constitution  of  the  C.  S.,  by  a  vote  of 
78  to  7. 

April  3.  South  Carolina  Convention 
ratified  the  Constitution  of  the  C.  S.  by  a 
vote  of  114  to  16. 

10.  Militia  organized  in  District  of  Col- 
umbia for  defence  of  tlie  capital. 

1 1 .  Steamship  Coatzacoalcos  arrived  in  N. 
York,  bringing  Federal  troops  from  Texas. 

1 1 .  Confederate  States  Commissioners  lefl 
Washington, 

12.  Attack  on  Fort  Sumter. 

12.  Reinforcement  of  fort  Pickens. 

14.  Evacuation  of  Fort  Sumter. 

16.  Seventeen  vessels  from  Southern 
ports,  without  U.  S.  clearances,  were  seized 
at  New  York  and  fined  $100  each. 


April,  1861. 


CHEONOLOGT. 


Ml 


15.  President's  proclamation,  calling  for 
75,000  volunteers  to  suppress  insurrection, 
and  also  calling  an  extra  session  of  U.  S. 
Congress  on  July  4. 

Itt.  The  government  of  the  Southern  Con- 
federacy called  for  32,000  men. 

16.  New  York  Legislature  appropriated 
$3,000,000  for  war  purposes. 

16.  At  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Trenton 
and  other  places,  journals  were  compelled 
to  display  the  American  flag. 

17.  State  Convention  of  Va.,  in  secret 
session,  passed  an  ordinance  of  secession. 

18.  500  volunteers  from  Pennsylvania, 
and  300  regulars,  arrived  at  Washington. 

18.  Lieut.  Jones,  in  charge  of  Harper's 
Ferry  arsenal,  hearing  of  the  advance  of  a 
large  Virginia  force  to  seize  the  establish- 
ment, set  fire  to  it,  and  retreated  to  Car- 
lisle, Pa. 

18.  Great  Union  meeting  at  Wheeling, 
Va. 

19.  Seizure  of  the  U.  S.  transport  Star 
of  the  West,  at  Indianola,  by  Texas  troops 
under  Col.  Van  Dorn. 

19.  Sixth  Massachusetts  regiment  on  its 
•way  to  Washington,  attacked  by  a  mob  in 
Baltimore,  and  3  killed  and  7  wounded.  In 
defending  themselves,  7  rebels  were  killed 
and  8  wounded. 

19.  The  N.  Y.  7th  militia,  Mass.  4th  and 
8th  militia,  and  R.  I.  Providence  Artillery 
left  New  York  on  their  way  to  Washington. 

19.  Clearances  refused  to  vessels  in 
northern  ports  to  ports  south  of  Maryland. 

20.  Eighth  Mass.  regiment  reached  An- 
napolis, Md. 

20.  Great  Union  mass  meeting  of  citizens 
in  Union  Square,  N.  Y. 

20.  600  kegs  of  gunpowder,  destined  for 
New  Orleans,  seized  by  the  U.  S.  Marshal 
at  New  York. 

20.  Fourth  Mass.  regiment  landed  at 
Fortress  Monroe. 

20.  U.  S.  arsenal  at  Liberty,  Mo.,  seized. 

20.  Steamship  Star  of  the  West,  having 
been  seized  by  secessionists,  was  taken  into 
New  Orleans. 

20.  The  ports  of  South  Carolina,  Geor- 
gia, Alabama,  Florida,  Mississippi,  Louisi- 
ana, and  Texas,  ordered  to  be  blockaded  by 
the  President,  as  those  Statea  were  in  a 
Btate  of  insurrection  against  the  govern- 
ment. 

20.  Bridges  on  Pennsylvania  Northern 
and  Philadelphia  railway,  near  Baltimore, 
burned  by  a  mob  from  that  city. 

21.  Gosport  Navy  Yard,  opposite  Nor- 
folk, Va.,  set  on  fire,  and  vessels  scuttled 
and  sunk,  by  U.  S.  ofiicers  in  charge,  to 
prevent  their  seizure  by  the  rebels. 

21.  Branch  Mint  of  the  U.  S.  at  Char- 


lotte, N.  C,  seized  by  order  of  the  Gover- 
nor of  that  State. 

21.  Philadelpliia  and  Baltimore  railway 
taken  possession  of  by  U.S.  government. 

21.  The  N.  Y.  6th,  12th,  and  71st,  and 
one  R.  L  and  one  Mass.  regiment,  with  a 
battery,  left  New  York  on  transports  for 
the  Chesapeake. 

21.  Fourth  Mass.  regiment  arrived  at 
Fortress  Monroe. 

21.  Andrew  Johnson,  U.  S.  Senator  from 
Tennessee,  mobbed  at  Lynchburg,  Va. 

22.  U.  S.  arsenal  at  Fayetteville,  N.  C, 
containing  37,000  stand  of  arms,  3,000  kegs 
of  powder,  and  a  large  quantity  of  shot  and 
shell,  seized  by  State  authority. 

22.  Depot  of  U.  S.  stores  at  Napoleon, 
Ark.,  seized  under  orders  of  Henry  M.  Bee- 
tor.  Governor  of  that  State. 

22.  3,200  Pennsylvania  troops  at  Cock- 
eysville,  14  miles  from  Baltimore. 

22.  Seventh  N..Y.  regiment  land  at  An- 
napolis, Md. 

23.  N.  Y.  8th,  13th,  28th,  and  69th  regi- 
iments  embarked  for  Washington. 

22.  Embargo  laid,  by  the  Mayor  and 
Police  Board  of  Baltimore,  on  provisions 
and  steamboats,  thus  withholding  the  gov- 
ernment stores  in  that  city. 

23.  First  South  Carolina  regiment  left 
Charleston  for  the  Potomac. 

24.  Fort  Smith,  Ark.,  seized  by  a  rebel 
force  under  CoL  Borland. 

24.  N.  Y.  7th  and  Mass.  8th  arrived  in 
Washington. 

25.  A  large  amount  of  arms  removed  to 
Alton,  111.,  from  St.  Louis  arsenal,  by  Illi- 
nois volunteers,  to  prevent  their  seizure  by 
rebels. 

25.  Col.  Van  Dorn,  of  Texas  State  troops, 
captured  450  U.  S.  troops  at  Saluria. 

25.  Transport  Empire  City,  from  Texas, 
arrived  in  N.Y.with  600  men  of  the  3d  Infan- 
try and  2d  Cavalry,  U.S.A.,  from  that  State. 

25.  Gov.  Letcher,  of  Va.,  by  proclama- 
tion, transferred  that  Commonwealth  to  the 
Southern  Confederacy. 

26.  Gov.  Brown,  of  Geoi^ia,  by  procla- 
mation, prohibited  the  payment  of  all  debts 
to  Northern  creditors  tUl  the  end  of  hos- 
tilities. 

26.  Bridges  over  Gunpowder  Creek,  on 
Philadelphia  and  Baltimore  railway,  and 
bridge  over  Bush  river,  od  the  same  route, 
destroyed  by  the  rebels. 

26.  Gov.  Burton,  of  Delaware,  issued  a 
proclamation  calling  for  volimteers  to  de- 
fend the  Union. 

27.  Military  Dejjartment  of  Washington 
assigned  to  Col.  Mansfield ;  Department  of 
Annapolis  to  Gen.  Butler ;  Department  gf 
Pennsylvania  to  Maj-Gen.  Patterson. 


468 


THE   WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 


May,  1861. 


April  27.  Five  men  nrrested  at  the 
Navy  Vara,  Washington,  for  filling  bonib- 
slielis  with  sand  and  sawdust. 

'27.  A  number  of  Soutlierners  employed 
in  tlie  Departments  at  Washington,  refused 
tlie  oath  of  allegiance  jjrescribcd  by  the 
Government,  and  resigned. 

27.  Tlie  ports  of  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina  were  included  in  the  blockade  by 
the  President. 

28.  U.  S.  frigate  Constitution  arrived  at 
New  York  from  Annapolis. 

29.  Secession  defeated  in  Mar3'land 
House  of  Delegates  by  a  vote  of  53  to  13. 

29.  Ellsworth's  Fire  Zouaves  left  New 
York  for  Annajjolirf. 

'29.  Daily  communication  between  Balti- 
more and  Philadelphia  re-established. 

May  1.  Biig.-Gen.  Harney  addressed  a 
strong  Union  letter  to  his  friends  in  Mis- 
souri. 

2.  N.  Y.  69th  (Irish)  regiment  arrived  at 
Washington. 

2.  Col.  F.  P.  Blair,  Jr.,  announced  that 
the  four  regiments  called  for  from  the  State 
of  Missouri,  by  the  President,  were  enrolled, 
armed,  and  mustered  into  the  service  within 
one  week  from  the  call. 

3.  Gov.  Jackson,  of  Missoui'i,  in  a  mes- 
sage to  the  Legislature,  recommended  arm- 
ing the  State,  and  a  union  of  sympiithy 
and  destiny  with  the  slaveholding  States. 

3.  Four  New  Jersey  regiments,  fully 
equipped,  under  General  Runyon,  started 
iov  tlio  seat  of  war. 

3.  President  Lincoln  issued  a  prodama- 
tion  calling  into  service  42,000  volun- 
teers for  three  years,  and  directing  the  in- 
crease of  the  regular  army  and  navy  of  the 
United  States, 

3.  Privateer  Savannah  captured  by  the 
U.  S.  brig  Perry.  , 

4.  Steamship  Star  of  the  West  was  put 
into  commis.sion  as  the  receiving  ship  of 
the  ("onfederate  navy,  at  New  Orleans. 

6.  Brig.-Gen.  Buth-r,  v.  ith  6th  Massaolui- 
setts  and  8th  New  York  regiments,  took 
possession  of  the  Kclay  House,  at  the  junc- 
tion of  the  Baltimore,  Washington  and 
Ohio  railways,  nine  miles  south  of  Balti- 
more. 

6.  The  six  regiments  called  for  from  In- 
diana, were  mustered  into  service  in  one 
week  from  date  of  the  call. 

6.  Virginia  admitted  into  tlie  Southern 
Confederacy  in  secret  session  of  Confeder- 
ate Congress. 

6.  Police  Commissioners  of  St.  Louis, 
Mo.,  demanded  of  Capt.  Lyon  the  removal 
of  U.  S.  troops  from  all  places  and  build- 
ings occupied  by  them  in  that  city  outside 
the  Arsenal  grounds. 


6.  City  military  of  Baltimore  disbanded 
by  Older  of  Major  Trimble,  commander. 

6.  Confederate  States  Congress  recog- 
nized war  with  United  States,  and  author- 
ized is.sue  of  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal. 

6.  Legislature  of  Arkansas  passed  an  un- 
conditional ordinance  of  secession,  69  to  1. 

7.  Major  Anderson,  with  consent  of  Sec- 
of-War,  accepted  command  of  Kentucky 
state  military. 

.  7.  Serious  riot  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
caused  by  hoisting  a  Union  flag. 

7.  League  between  Tennessee authoritiea 
and  Confederate  States. 

7.  The  late  U.  S.  garrison  of  Fort  Davis, 
Texas,  consisting  of  11  officers  and  300 
men,  made  prisoners  of  war  by  a  force  of 
1,800  rebels  near  Ea.stonville.  They  all  re- 
fused to  enlist  in  tlie  rebel  army. 

9.  U.  S.  trooj)te  landed  at  Locust  Point, 
in  Baltimore,  and  were  conveyed  by  tlie 
Bait,  and  Ohio  branch  railroad  through  the 
city. 

9.  The  Confederate  Congress  authorized 
President  Davis  to  raise  such  force  for  the 
war  as  he  should  deem  expedient. 

9.  U.  S.  shi|)s  Cumberland,  Pawnee,  Mon- 
ticello  and  Yankee  enforcing  the  blockade 
off  Fortress  Monroe. 

9.  Steamers  Philadelphia,  Baltimore, 
Powhatan  and  Mount  Vernon,  armed  by 
U.  S.  Government,  and  cruising  on  the 
Potomac. 

9.  Virginians  have  batteries  in  Norfolk 
harbor,  at  Craney  Island,  Sandy  Point,  the 
Hospital,  Fort  Norfolk,  and  the  Bluffs, 
three  miles  from  the  Hospital. 

10.  Maj.-Gen.  R.  E.  Lee  appointed  to 
command  the  rebel  forces  in  Virginia. 

10.  Maj.-Gen.  McClellan  appointed  to 
command  the  Department  of  Ohio. 

10.  The  President  directed  that  all  ofli- 
cers  in  the  army  should  take  anew  the  oath 
of  allegiance  to  the  United  States. 

10.  The  secession  military,  under  Gen. 
Frost,  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  surrendered  to 
Capt  Lyon,  commanding  U.  S.  forces.  A 
mob  assailed  the  U.  S.  military  after  the 
surrender,  and  were  fired  on  by  them,  and 
many  killed  and  wounded. 

10.  The  "Winans  steam  gun  captured  by 
Gen.  Butler,  three  miles  from  the  Relay 
House,  ild. 

10.  The  Maryland  Legislature  passed  a 
resolution  imploring  the  President  of  ^e 
United  States  to  cease  the  present  war. 

1 1.  U.  S.  steam  frigate  Niagara  off 
Charleston,  S.  C,  and  began  the  blockade 
of  that  pprt. 

11.  Gen.  Harney  issued  a  proclamation 
exhorting  the  people  of  Missouri,  to  main- 
tain peace,  and  announced  his  determination 


May,  18G1. 


cmi:<inoi.ui;y. 


469 


to  use  the  authority  of  tlie  Government  for 
that  purpose. 

11.  A  company  of  Home  Guards,  at  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  mostly  German,  were  tired  on 
by  a  mbb,  and  returned  the  fire.  Three  of 
the  Guards  and  4  of  the  citizens  were  killed. 

13.  The  Gth  Mass.  and  8th  N.  Y.  regi- 
ments, under  Gen.  Butler,  occupied  Federal 
Hill,  near  Baltimore. 

13.  Convention  of  Union  delegates  from 
85  counties  in  W,  Virginia,  met  in  Wheel- 
ing. 

13.  A  lady  from  New  Haven,  Conn., 
teacher  of  a  Grammar  School  in  New  Or- 
leans, denuded,  tarred  and  feathered  in  La- 
fayette Square,  amid  an  immense  crowd  of 
people,  being  accused  of  expressing  aboli- 
tion sentiments. 

14.  Gov.  Hicks,  of  Mar}land,  issued  a 
proclamation,  calling  for  four  regiments  of 
troops,  to  serve  within  ilaryland,  or  for 
the  defence  of  the  capital  of  the  United 
States. 

14.  Gen.  Butler  seized  a  large  quantity 
of  arms  stored  in  Baltimore,  and  a  schooner 
loaded  with  arms. 

15.  A  proclamation  of  neutrality  with 
respect  to  the  civil  war  in  the  U.  S.  was 
issued  by  Queen  Victoria,  in  which  the 
subjects  of  Great  Britain  were  forbidden  to 
take  part  in  the  contest,  or  endeavor  to 
break  a  blockade  "  lawfully  and  effectually 
established." 

15.  The  town  of  Potosi,  Washington  co.. 
Mo.,  taken  possession  of  by  U.  S.  troops, 
and  rebel  prisoners  and  munitions  of  war 
taken  to  Str Louis. 

16.  Gen.  Butler  appointed  Maj.-Gen.  of 
Volunteers. 

18.  Arkansas  admitted  to  the  Southern 
Confederacy. 

18.  Military  Department  of  Virginia  or- 
ganized, embracing  E.  Virginia,  N.  Caro- 
lina and  Tennessee,  Maj.-Gen.  Butler  in 
command. 

18.  John  Ross,  principal  Cherokee  Chief, 
in  two  admirable  letters  rejects  the  efforts 
of  the  rebels  in  Arkansas  to  draw  his  nation 
into  rebellion. 

19.  Shots  exchanged  between  U.  S. 
steamers  Freeborn  and  Monticello,  and  the 
rebel  battery  at  Sewall's  Point,  Va. 

19.  Ei»ht  thousand  rebel  troops  at  Har- 
per's Ferry. 

20.  Death  of  Col.  Vosburgh,  N.  Y.  Tlst, 
at  Washington. 

20.  Seizure  by  the  Government  of  prin- 
cipal telegraph  offices  throughout  the  free 
States,  and  of  the  accumulated  dispatches 
for  twelve  months. 

20.  Ordinance  of  secession,  and  ordin- 
ance assenting  to  the  Confederate  Constitu- 


tion passed  by  North  Carolina  State  Coh- 
vention. 

20.  Seizure  of  1,600  muskets  and  4,000 
pikes  by  Federal  troops  in  Baltimore. 

20.  Gen.  Cadwallader,  successor  to  G^. 
Butler,  occupied  Federal  Hill,  Baltimore. 

20.  Fort  McHenry  reinforced. 

20.  Prize  ship  Gen.  Parkhill,  of  Liver- 
pool, arrived  at  Philadelphia,  with  a  crew 
from  the  frigate  Niagara. 

2 1  Confederate  Congress  at  Montgomery 
adjourned  to  meet  at  Richmond,  July  20. 

22.  Erection  of  rebel  batteries  at  Aquia 
Creek. 

22.  .Maj.  Gen.  Butler  arrived  at  Fortress 
Monroe. 

22.  Fort  at  Ship  Island,  iliss.,  destroyed 
to  prevent  its  falling  into  rebel  hands. 

22.  Steamer  J.  C.  Swan,  3(i  miles  below 
St.  Louis,  seized  by  order  of  Gen.  Lyon. 

22.  Five  thousand  pounds  of  lead  seized 
at  Ironton,  Mo.,  en  route  for  the  South. 

23.  Strong  secession  speech  by  A.  H 
Stephens,  at  Atlanta,  Ga. 

23.  A  battery  of  Whitworth  guns,  12- 
pounders,  arrived  in  N.  Y.  city,  a  present 
to  the  Government  from,  patriotic  Amert- 
cans  abroad. 

23.  At  Clarksburgh,  Harrison  co.,  Va., 
two  companies  of  secession  troops  surren- 
dered their  arms  and  dispersed  at  the  de- 
mand of  L'nion  companies  under  Capts. 
Moore  and  Vance. 

24.  All  vessels  from  the  Northern  States 
at  New  Orleans,  which  arrived  after  the 
6th  inst.,  were  seized  by  the  Confederate 
States  Marshal. 

24.  Jeff.  Davis  appointed  the  ISth  of  June 
to  be  observed  as  a  day  of  fasting  and 
prayer. 

24.  Thirteen  thousand  Union  troops 
crossed  the  Potomac  and  entered  Virginia, 
occupying  Alexandria  and  Arlington 
Heights. 

24.  Assassination  of  CoL  Ellsworth,  at 
Alexandria,  Va. 

25.  Destruction  of  seven  bridges  and  five 
miles  of  rails  from  Alexandria  to  Lees- 
burg,  Va.,  by  the  69th  N.  Y.  S.  .M. 

26.  Confederate  privateer  Callioun  ar- 
rived at  New  Orleans  with  three  whaling 
vessels  and  cargoes  as  j)rizes. 

26.  Arrival  of  600  U.  S.  troops  at  Ha- 
vana, from  Texas. 

27.  A  writ  of  liahea*  corpus  was  issued 
at  Baltimore,  Md.,  by  Chief  Justice  Tnney, 
in  the  case  of  John  ilerrvmnn.  Gen.  Cad- 
wallade^declined  surrendering  him,  and  an 
attachment  was  issued  for  the  General's  ar- 
rest, which  was  not  served. 

27.  U.  S.  steamer  BrfK)klyn  commenced 
the  blockade  of  the  Miilsissippi  river. 


470 


rHE  WAK  FOE  THE   UNION. 


Jnne,  1861. 


May  27.  Brlg.-Gen.  McDowell  took 
command  of  the  Federal  forces  in  Virginia. 

27.  The  blockade  of  Mobile,  Ala.,  com- 
menced. 

28.  Blockade  of  Savannah  initiated  by 
U.  S.  gunboat  Union. 

28.  The  rebels  erected  barricades  at 
Harper's  Ferry  and  Point  of  Rocks;  Ma- 
nassas Junction  fortified. 

28.  Strength  of  the  Rebels  in  Virginia 
reported  at  90,000  men. 

28.  JefF.  Davis  arrived  at  Richmond. 

28.  Services  of  Miss  D.  L.  Dix  accepted 
by  the  War  Department,  for  organizing 
military  hospitals,  and  procuring  nurses. 

29.  Advance  of  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania 
troops  through  Maryland,  towards  Harper's 
Ferry ;  rebels  fall  back  to  Martinsburg. 

29.  Federal  troops  occupied  Grafton,  Va. 

30.  Concentration  of  Federal  troops  at 
Chambersburg,  Pa. 

31.  Steamers  Freeborn  and  Anacosta 
attacked  rebel  batteries  at  Aquia  Creek,  Va. 

31.  Gen.  Harney  superseded  by  Gen. 
Lyon  in  Missouri. 

31.  Gens.  Banks  and  Fremont  commis- 
sioned as  Major-Generals. 

Ex-Gov.  Pratt  of  Maryland,  arrested  and 
taken  to  Washington  Navy  Yard. 

June  1.  British  Government  prohib- 
ited U.  S.  and  rebel  armed  vessels  from 
bringing  any  prizes  to  British  ports. 

1.  Charge  of  U.  S.  cavalry  at  Fairfax 
Court  House,  Va.,  Lieut.  Tompkins,  com- 
manding. 

2.  Federal  batteries  erected  at  the  Rip 
Baps,  near  Fortress  Monroe. 

2.  Gen.  Twiggs  appointed  Maj.-Gen. 
Confederate  army. 

3.  Gen.  Beauregard  took  command  of 
the  rebel  forces  at  Manassas  Junction. 

3.  Surprise  of  rebel  troops  at  Philippi, 
Va,  by  U.  S.  forces  under  Cols.  Dumont, 
Kelly  and  Lander.  Col.  Kelly  was  severely 
wounded. 

3.  Hon.  Stephen  A.  Douglas  died  at  Chi- 
cago. His  dying  message  to  his  sons  was, 
"  Tell  them  to  obey  the  laws  and  support 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States." 

3.  Border  State  Convention  met  at 
Frankfort,  Ky, 

4.  Chief-Justice  Taney's  protest  pub- 
lished against  the  suspension  of  the  habeas 
corpu-t  by  the  President. 

5.  Gun  factory  and  arms  of  Merrill  and 
Thomas,  Baltimore,  seized  by  U.  S.  Gov- 
ernment. 

6.  Gov.  Pickens,  of  S.  C,  forbaclfe  the  re- 
mittance of  funds  to  Northern  creditors. 

6.  Thirty-five  Virginia  cavalry  were  cap- 
tared  at  Alexandria.  They  took  the  oath 
of  allegiance  and  were  released. 


6.  Treasonable  dispatches  to  the  rebel 
Government  discovered  in  the  telegraph 
oflSce  at  Washington,  from  Jas.  E.  Harvey, 
appointed  minister  to  Portugal. 

6.  Secession  camp  at  Ellicott's  Mills,  Ky., 
ten  miles  from  Cairo,  broken  up  by  troops 
sent  from  latter  station  by  Gen.  Prentiss. 

8.  Bridges  at  Point  of  Rocks  and  Berlin, 
on  the  Potomac  river,  burned  by  order  of 
rebel  Gen.  Johnston. 

8.  Sanitary  Commission  authorized  and 
appointed  by  the  Government. 

8.  Four  bridges  on  the  Alexandria  and 
Hampshire  railway,  Va.,  burned  by  dis- 
union troops. 

8.  Gen.  Patterson's  troops  marched  from 
Chambersburg  towards  Harper's  Ferry. 

8.  Seizure  of  arms  at  Easton,  Md.,  by  U. 
S.  troops  from  Annapolis. 

8.  Vote  of  Tennessee  reported  in  favor 
of  secession. 

10.  Gen.  Banks  assumed  command  in 
Baltimore. 

10.  Gov.  Harris,  of  Tenn.,  authorized  the 
raising  of  troops  for  the  rebel  army. 

10.  Repulse  of  Federal  troops  at  Great 
Bethel,  near  F'ortress  Monroe. 

11.  Surprise  and  rout  of  armed  rebels  at 
Romney,  Va.,  by  Col.  Wallace's  Indiana 
regiment. 

12.  Gov.  Jackson,  of  Missouri,  issued  a 
proclamation  calling  60,0u0  State  militia 
into  service,  to  protect  the  "  lives,  liberty 
and  property  of  the  citizens  of  the  State." 

12.  Meeting  of  W.  Virginia  State  Con- 
vention at  Wheeling.  They  resolved  to 
elect  loyal  State  ofliicers. 

13.  Fast  day  in  seceded  States,  by  order 
of  Pres.  Davis. 

13.  Skirmish  at  Seneca  Mills,  on  the 
Potomac,  28  miles  above  Washington,  be- 
tween U.  S.  District  Volunteers  and  rebel 
cavalry. 

14.  Gea  J.  A.  Dix,  of  New  York,  ap- 
pointed Maj.-Gen.  of  IJ.  S.  Volunteers. 

14.  Harper's  Ferry  evacuated  by  the 
rebel  forces,  who  destroyed  all  the  avail- 
able property. 

14.  Flight  of  Gov.  Jackson  and  Gen. 
Price  from  Jefferson  City,  capital  of  Mis- 
souri. The  telegraph  lines  and  bridges 
destroyed  by  them  on  their  route  to 
Booneville. 

14.  The  great  Union  gun  arrived  at 
Fortress  Monroe. 

14.  Miss  Dix  and  a  number  of  nurses  ar- 
rived at  Fortress  Monroe. 

14.  Maryland  election  resulted  *in  the 
triumph  of  all  the  Union  candidates  but 
Winter  Davis. 

16.  Mr.  Woodall,  of  Baltimore,  hung  by 
rebels  at  Harper's  Ferry. 


June,  18G1. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


471 


15.  Jefferson  City,  Mo.,  occuj<ied  by  U.S. 
troops,  under  Gen.  Lyon. 

16.  Skirmish  at  Seneca  Mills,  Md.  Rebel 
captain  and  2  men  killed  by  Major  Ever- 
ett's command. 

17.  Skirmish  at  Edward's  Ferry,  on  the 
Potomac,  between  the  1st  Pennsylvania 
regiment  and  a  body  of  rebels. 

17.  Six  persons  killed  in  St.  Louis,  by 
soldiers  of  Col.  Kallman's  regiment  dis- 
charging a  volley  at  the  Recorder's  Court- 
building,  in  retaliation  of  a  shot  fired  into 
their  ranks. 

17.  Surprise  at  Vienna,  Va.  First  Ohio 
regiment  fired  into  by  a  masked  battery, 
8  killed,  G  wounded. 

17.  Western  Virginia  Convention  unan- 
imously declared  tiieir  independence  of  the 
eastern  section  of  the  State. 

17.  Rebel  forces  at  Booneville,  Mo.,  de- 
feated by  Gen.  Lyon.  35  rebels  killed  or 
wounded,  and  30  prisoners.  Federal  loss, 
2  killed  and  8  wounded.  A  large  quantity 
of  arms  and  camp  equipage  captured. 

17.  Gov.  Hicks,  of  Md.,  in  a  message  re- 
pelled the  attempt  of  the  Legislature  to 
search  his  executive  records  for  supposed 
correspondence  with  the  Government. 

18.  U.S.  troops  at  Hagerstown  and  Wil- 
liamsport,  Md.,  crossed  tlie  Potomac,  under 
command  of  Gen.  Patterson. 

18.  First  balloon  ascension  for  U.S.  mil- 
itary purposes,  by  Prof.  Lowe,  at  Wash- 
ington. 

18.  Surprise  of  800  Union  Home  Guards 
under  Capt.  Cook,  at  Camp  Cole,  Mo.,  by 
rebels  from  Warsaw.  25  killed,  52  wound- 
ed, 23  prisoners :  45  of  the  enemy  killed  or 
wounded. 

18.  Thirty -five  rebels,  with  arms  and 
ammunition,  captured  at  Liberty,  Mo.,  by 
U.  S.  regulars  from  Kansas  City. 

18.  Railway  bridge  over  New  Creek,  Va., 
burned  by  rebels  from  Romney. 

20.  Senator  Lane,  of  Kansas,  appointed 
brigadier-generaL 

20.  Gen.  McClellan  took  command  of 
the  Federal  army  in  Western  Virginia. 

20.  Cornelius  Vandeibilt  offered  all  the 
steamships  of  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific 
Steamship  Company,  for  the  service  of  the 
Governnsent. 

21.  East  Tennessee  Union  Convention 
held  at  Greenville. 

22.  The  exequator  of  Mr.  Trappman, 
l*russian  Consul  at  Charleston,  revoked  by 
the  President,  for  compMcity  with  the  reb- 
els. 

•     23.  Balloon  observations  by  Prof.  Lowo, 
at  Falls  Church,  Va. 

23.  Forty-eight  locomotives,  and  a  large 
quantity  of  other  railway  property  of  the 


Baltimore  and  Ohio  railway,  destroyed  by 
rebels  at  Martinsburgh,  Va. 

24.  Great  fire  in  Richmond,  Va. 

24.  Riot  in  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  occasioned 
by  the  banks  refusing  to  receive  on  deposit 
certain  bills  comprising  an  important  part 
of  the  currency,  and  their  consequent  de- 
preciation. 

24.  Rebel  batteries  at  Mathias  Point, 
Va.,  shelled  by  U.  S.  steamers  Pawnee  and 
Freeborn. 

24.  Engagement  of  U.  S.  steamer  Monti- 
cello,  with  rebels,  at  Carter's  Creek,  Va. 

24.  Secession  of  Tennessee  j)roclaimed 
by  Gov.  Harris,  Vote,  104,913  for,  to 
47,238  against. 

25.  Virginia  vote  announced  to  be 
128,884  for,  and  32,134  against  secession. 

25.  Western  Virginia  government  recog- 
nized by  the  President. 

26.  Address  of  the  Sanitary  Commis- 
sion to  the  citizens  of  the  United  States. 

26.  Brilliant  skirmish  of  Corp.  Hayes 
and  12  men  of  Col.  Wallace's  Indiana  regi- 
ment, scouting  on  Patterson  Creek,  Md. 

27.  John  C.  Fremont  arrived  at  Boston 
from  Liverpool,  bringing  a  large  quantity 
of  arms  for  the  government. 

27.  Marshal  Kane,  of  Baltimore,  arrested 
by  order  of  Gen.  Banks,  and  John  R.  Kenly 
appointed  provost-marshal. 

27,  Engagement  between  gunboat  Free- 
born and  rebel  batteries  at  Mathias  Point. 
Captain  Ward  of  the  Freeborn  killed. 

27.  Cols.  Magruder  and  Hardee  appoint- 
ed brigadier-generals  in  Confederate  army. 

27.  East  Tennessee  Union  Convention 
meet  at  Nashville.  Hon.  Thomas  A.  K. 
Nelson  presiding. 

28.  Skirmish  at  Shorter's  Hill,  Virginia. 
Union  loss,  1  killed  and  1  wounded ;  rebel 
loss,  2  killed. 

29.  Steamer  St.  Nicholas  and  three  brigs 
captured  by  secessionists  on  the  Chesa- 
peake. 

July  1.  Gen.  Banks  arrested  Messrs. 
Howard,  Getchell,  Ilincks,  and  Davis,  late 
members  of  Police  Board,  Baltimore. 

1.  Skirmish  at  Farmington,  Mo.  A  lai^ 
body  of  rebels  routed  by  50  Home  Guar(u, 
under  Capt.  Cooke. 

2.  Rebels  driven  from  Martinsburgh, 
Va.,  by  Abercrombie's  brigade,  Gen.  Pat- 
terson's division.  Union  loss,  3  killed  and 
10  wounded;  rebel  loss,  80  killed  and 
wounded,  20  prisoners. 

2.  Organization  of  Virginia  Legislature, 
at  Wheeling, 

3.  Gen.  Lyon,  with  2,000  Federal  troops, 
left  Booneville,  Mo.,  for  the  southwest. 

3.  Arkansas  Military  Board  called  out 
10,000  men  to  repel  invasion. 


412 


THE   WAR   FOIl   THE   UNION. 


July,  18GI. 


Jnly  4.  U.  S.  Congress  met  in  special 
session. 

4.  Pnssennfer'trains  on  LouisviUe  and 
Nashville  railway  seized  by  rebels. 

4.  Skirmish  at  Ilarper'ji  Ferry  between 
N.Y.  9th  and  rebels.  Federal  loss,  2  killed 
and  3  wounded. 

4.  llebel  battery  erected  at  Mathias 
Point.  Va. 

4.  Great  Union  meeting  at  San  Francisco. 

6.  Battle  at  Carthage,  Mo.  Union  forces, 
under  Col.  Sigel,  1,500;  rebels,  4,000. 
Union  loss,  13  killed  and  31  wounded ;  rebel 
loss,  250  killed  and  wounded.  Successful 
retreat  of  Sigvl. 

6,  Skirmish  at  Newport  News,  Va.,  be- 
tween a  detachment  of  Hawkins'  Zouaves 
and  rebels. 

4-7.  U.  S.  steamer  South  Carolina  cap- 
tured or  destroyed  11  vessels  off  Galveston. 

6.  Western  Military  Department  consti- 
tuted: Illinois,  and  the  States  and  Territo- 
ries west  of  the  Mississippi  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  including  New  Mexico.  Maj.- 
Gen.  Fremont  commanding. 

6.  Skirmish  of  45  men,  3d  Ohio,  at  Mid- 
dle Fork  Bridf^e,  12  miles  east  of  Buckhan- 
non,  Vn.  1  killed  and  3  wounded  of  the 
Federals,  and  7  rebels  killed  and  wounded. 

7.  "  Infernal "  machines  detected  floating 
in  the  Potomac. 

7.  Skirmish  at  Great  Falls,  Va.  Major 
Gerhardt's  8th  German  battalion  have  2 
men  killed.     Several  rebels  killed. 

7.  Congressman  Vallandigham  assaulted 
in  the  camp  of  2d  Ohio  regiment. 

8.  Telegraphic  dispatches  of  military  op- 
erations placed  under  censorship. 

8.  Skirmish  at  Bealington,  Western  Va., 
14th  Ohio,  and  7th  and  9th  Indiana,  and 
Col.  Barnett's  1st  Ohio  battery.  Rebels 
defeated  with  loss  of  20  killed,  40  wounded ; 
Union  loss,  2  killed,  6  wounded. 

10.  Loan  bill  passed  by  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, authorizing  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  to  borrow  $250,000,000,  redeem- 
able in  20  years. 

10.  Postal  service  discontinued  in  Middle 
and  West  Tennessee. 

10.  Bill  authorizing  $500,000,000  and 
and  600,000  volunteers,  to  suppress  the  re- 
bellion passed  the  Senate. 

10.  Gen.  Banks  appointed  George  R. 
Dodsje  police  marshal  of  Baltimore,  vice 
Col.lvenly,  and  removed  all  the  military 
to  positions  in  the  suburbs. 

10.  House  of  Representatives  empow- 
ered the  President  to  close  the  ports  of  se 
ceded  States. 

10.  Skirmish  at  Monroe  Station,  Mo.,  be- 
tween Federal  troops,  under  Col.  Smith, 
and  rebels,  commanded  by  Gen.  Harris. 


Rebels  routed  on  the  following  day,  after 
fhey  had  burned  25  railway  cars  and  sta- 
tion house,  by  Union  forces  sent  to  relieve 
Col.  Smith.  Several  Federals  wounded; 
rel)el  loss,  30  killed  and  wounded,  and  70 
prisoners.  ' 

10.  Rebel  General  Wise  issued  a  procla- 
mation to  citizens  of  Western  Va.,  calling 
for  volunteers,  and  offering  pardon  for  past 
offences. 

10.  Skirnlish  at  Tjiurel  Hill,  Va.  Fede- 
ral troops  under  Cols.  McCook  and  An- 
drews, rebels  under  Col.  Pei^ram.  Rebels 
defeated.     Union  loss  1  killed   3  wounded. 

11.  Alex.  H.  Stephens'  speech,  at  Au- 
gusta, Ga.,  defending  secession,  and  solicit- 
ing contributions  to  aid  the  Confederacy. 

11.  The  State  Juuriial,  at  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
suppressed  bj-  Gen.  Lyon  for  disloyal  sen- 
timents. 

11.  Battle  of  Rich  Mountain.  Va.  De- 
feat of  the  rebels  under  Col.  Peu'ram,  60 
killed,  150  wounded,  and  150  prisoners. 
Capture  of  200  tents,  60  wagons,  6  cannon, 
and  other  stores.  Union  loss  11  killed  and 
35  wounded. 

12.  Fight  at  Bnrboursville,  Va.  Six 
companies  of  Col.  "Woodruff's  2d  Kentucky 
attack  and  defeat  600  rebels.  1  Kentuck- 
ian  and  lo  or  12  rebels  killed. 

12.  600  rebels,  under  Col.  Pegramj  sur- 
rendered to  Gen.  MeClellan,  at  Beverly,  Va. 

12.  Twelve  of  Col.  Bendix's  N.  Y.  regi- 
ment captured  at  Newport  News. 

13.  John  B.  Clark,  of  Mo.,  expelled  from 
the  House  of  Representatives,  having  been 
found  in  arms  against  the  Government. 

13.  Great  Union  speech  of  Joseph  Holt, 
at  Louisville,  Ky. 

18.  Battle  of  CarricVs  Ford,  Va.,  and 
death  of  Gen.  Gamett,  rebel  commander. 
t)efeat  and  rout  of  the  rebels,  with  a  loss 
of  160  killed  and  womided.  and  800  prison- 
ers,    p'ederal  loss  13  killed,  40  wounded. 

16.  Skirmish  at  Bunker  Hill,  Va.  Rout 
of  rebel  cavalry  b}'  fire  ot  R.  I.  battery. 
The  rebels  pursued  by  2d  U  S.  cavalry. 

1 5.  Peace  meeting  at  Nyack,  N.  Y. 

16.  Railway  cars,  containing  Union 
troops,  fired  into  at  Millsville,  Mo.  8  sol- 
diers killed,  7  wounded  ;  7  rebels  killed. 

16.  Federal  army  under  Gen.  McDowell 
marched  toward  Llanassas. 

16.  Bill  authorizing  the  President  to  call 
out  militia  to  suppress  the  rebellion,  passed 
the  House  of  Re|iresentative8,  and  the  bill 
to  accept  services  of  500,000  volunteers. 

16.  Speech  of  J.  C.  Breckinridge  in  the 
Senate  in  opposition  to  the  Union  Defence 
Bill 

Ifi.  Tilghman,  a  negro,  killed  8  of  a 
rebel  prize  crew  on  tlie  schooner  S.  J.  Wa^ 


July,  1861. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


473 


rina^,  and  brought  the  vessel  into  N.  York 
on  the  22(1. 

17.  Advance  cohimn  of  national  army 
occupied  l'';tirfiix  Court  House,  Va. 

17.  Battle  at  Scarytown.  Va.  Repulse 
of  Federals  with  loss  of  9  killed,  38  wound- 
ed, 9  missina^.  Rebel  1  )ss  less.  3  Federal 
colonels  and  2  captains  captured. 

17.  Gen.  Patterson's  army  marched 
from  Bunker  Hill,  Va.,  to  Charlestown. 

17.  ISkirtnisii  at  Fulton,  Mo,  Rebels 
driven  back  wiih  loss. 

18.  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  Home  Guards,  un- 
der Major  Van  Horn,  attacked  near  Ilar- 
risonville  by  a  superior  force  of  rebels, 
whom  they  defeated,  killing  and  wounding 
20.     Union  loss  1  killed. 

18.  Battle  at  Blackburn's  Ford.  Attack 
on  the  rebel  entrenchments  at  Bull  Run  by 
a  portion  of  Gen.  T\-ler's  Division,  who 
were  repulsed  with  a  loss  of  83  men  killed, 
wounded  and  missing.  Rebel  loss  68 
killed  and  wounded. 

19.  Six  Federal  officers,  near  Hampton, 
Va.,  fired  on  by  rebels  in  ambush.  Major 
Rawlings  killed,  and  Lieut.  Johnson  and 
Mr.  Shurtlift'e  wounded  and  captured. 

19.  By  Gen.  Order  No.  46  of  War  De- 
partment, Maj.-Gen.  Patterson  was  honor- 
ably dischari^ed,  and  Maj.-Gen.  Banks  ap- 
pointed his  successor  in  the  Department  of 
the  "  Shenandoah,"  and  Gen.  Dix  appointed 
to  succeed  Gen.  Banks  in  the  Department 
of  Maryland. 

19.  The  Captain-General  of  Cuba  liber- 
ated all  the  vessels  brought  into  Cuban 
ports  by  privateer  Sumter  as  prizes. 

20.  Rebel  Congress  met  at  Richmond,  Va. 

21.  Battle  of  Bull  Run. 

22.  Brig.-Gen.  Beauregard  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  "  General "  in  the  rebel  army, 
the  highest  grade. 

22.  Rebel  Congress  appointed  a  day  of 
thanksgiving  for  the  victory  at  ilanassas. 

22.  Maj.  Gen.  McClellan  assigned  to  com- 
mand the  Department  of  the  Potomac. 

22.  Missouri  ifetate  Convention  met  at 
Jefferson  City. 

22.  Rebels  attacked  and  dispersed  at 
Forsythe,  Mo.,  by  Federal  troops  under 
Gen.  Sweeny,  with  loss  of  two  wounded. 
Rebel  loss,  5  killed,  10  wounded. 

24.  Naval  expedition  from  Fortress  Mon- 
roe to  Black  river,  by  Lieut.  Crosby  and 
800  men.  Nine  sloops  and  schooners  of 
the  rebels  burnt,  and  one  schooner  with 
bacon  and  corn  captured. 

25.  U.  S.  steamer  Resolute,  Lieut  Budd, 
brought  two  schooners  and  one  sloop  prizes 
to  "Washington. 

25.  Gen.  McClellan  arrived  at  "Washing- 
ton, and  Gen.  Fremont  at  St.  Louis,  and 


Gen.  Banks  at  Harper's  Ferry,  to  take 
charge  v{  their  respective  departments. 

25.  Robert  Toombs  resigned  tiie  Secre- 
taryship of  State  of  the  Confederacy,  to 
take  office  in  the  army,  and  R.  M.  T.  Hun- 
ter, of  Va.,  was  appointed  to  succeed  him. 

26.  Fifteen  Home  Guards  from  Rolla,  - 
Mo  ,  were  attacked  at  Lane's  Piairie  by  a 
superior  force  of  rebels,  who  were  repulsed 
with  the  loss  of  1  lieutenant  killed  and 
3  men  wounded.  Two  guards  were  slightly 
wounded. 

26.  Three  rebels  captured  by  Col,  Mc- 
Leod  Murphy,  of  New  York,  in  Virginia, 
scouting  alone. 

28.  Flight  of  Gen.  "Wise's  army  from 
Gauley  Bridge,  Va.,  pursued  by  Gen.  Cox, 
who  captured  1000  muskets  and  a  quantity 
of  powder. 

28.  A  detachment  of  Col.  Mulligan's 
Chicago  regiment,  aided  by  Home  Guards, 
captured  28  rebels,  40  horses  and  2  teams, 
at  Hickory  Hill,  Mo. 

29.  A  rebel  battery  at  Aquia  Creek,  Va., 
engaged  by  four  U.  S.  steamers  for  three 
hours,  with  slight  damage. 

30.  Six  Government  clerks  at  Washing- 
ton resigned,  owifig  to  a  Virginia  ordinance 
of  disfranchisement. 

3().  Three  hundred  kegs  of  powdfer  and 
6  cannon  were  captured  from  the  rebels 
near  Warsaw,  Mo. 

30.  The  Confederate  forces  occupied  and 
fortified  New  Madrid,  Mo. 

30-31.  Missouri  State  Convention  abol- 
ished the  State  Legislature,  declared  the 
offices  of  Governor,  Lieut.-Gov.  and  Sec- 
of  State  vacant,  appointed  special  State 
officers,  and  provided,for  a  special  election 
by  the  people  in  Aug.  18^2. 

Aug.  1.  Rebel  privateer  Petrel,  formerly 
U.  S.  revenue  cutter  Aiken,  sunk  by  U.  S. 
frigate  St.  Lawrence,  near  Charleston. 
Thirty-six  out  of  40  of  her  crew  were 
rescued  by  the  frigate's  boats. 

1.  Gov.  Gamble,  of  Mo.,  delivered  Ma 
inaugural  to  the  State  Convention. 

.  1.  Departure  of  Gen,  Fremont's  expedi- 
tion from  St.  Louis  to  Cairo  and  Bird's 
Point. 

2.  Fort  Fillmore,  New  Mexico,  with  750 
men,  traitorously  surrendered  by  Major 
Lyndc,  U.  S.  A.  • 

2.  Schooner  Enchantress,  with  a  valu- 
able cargo,  recaptured  by  L^;  S.  steamer 
Albatross,  Capt.  Prentiss,  off  Charleston, 
S.  C. 

2.  Defeat  of  rebel  forces  at  Dug  Spring^, 
Mo.,  by  Gen.  Lyon.  Federal  loss,  9  killetl, 
30  wounded.  Rebel  loss,  40  killed,  80 
wounded. 

3.  Lieut.-CoL  Baylor,  commanding  tibe 


474 


THE   WAE  TOR   THE    UNION. 


Aa«.  1861. 


rebel  forces  in  Arizona,  issued  a  proclama- 
tion taking  possession  of  New  Mexico,  in 
the  name  of  the  Confederate  States,  de- 
claring all  Federal  offices  vacant,  and  ap- 
pointing a  secretary,  attorney-general  and 
other  officers. 

Aug.  3.  Engagement  at  Mesila,  N.  M., 
between  Federal  troops  and  7<iO  rebels.  Capt. 
McNeely  and  Lieut.  Brooks,  of  Federal 
army,  were  wounded,  and  12  rebels  killed. 

6.  The  bark  Alvarado,  having  a  rebel 
prize  crew,  chased  ashore  near  Fernandina, 
Fla.,  and  burned  by  sailors  from  U.  S.  ship 
Vincennes. 

5.  Skirmish  at  Point  of  Rocks,  Md. 
Sixty  men  of  New  York  28th  attacked 
rebel  cavalry,  killing  3,  wounding  2  and 
capturing  7  men  and  20  horses,  without 
loss  themselves. 

5.  Skirmish  at  Athens,  Mo.  300  Home 
Guards,  under  Col.  Moore,  defeated  a  force 
of  lOiU)  rebels,  killing  23  and  wounding 
60.  10  Federals  killed  and  10  wounded. 
5  wagon  loads  of  supplies  and  40  horses 
were  captured  by  the  Guards. 

5.  Election  in  Kentucky  for  members  of 
the  Legislature,  the  returns  showing  a  large 
Union  majority.  • 

6.  Adjournment  nine  die  of  Special  Con- 
gress at  Washington. 

7.  The  village  of  Hampton,  Va..  was 
burned  bj-  rebel  forces  under  Gen.  Magru- 
der.  They  were  prevented  from  burning 
the  bridge  by  skirmishers  of  Max  Weber's 
New  York  regiment. 

7-  The  privateer  York  was  burned  by 
gunboat  Union,  which  also  recaptured  the 
schooner  G.  V.  Baker. 

8.  Rebel  cavalry  routed  at  Lorrettsville, 
Va.,  with  loss  of  1  killed  and  5  wounded, 
bj  100  men  of  19th  N.  Y.,  under  Capt. 
Kennedy. 

8.  Messrs.  Breckinridge  and  Vallandig- 
ham  partook  of  a  banquet  at  the  Eutaw 
House,  Baltimore.  Mr.  Breckinridge,  in 
an  attempt  to  address  the  people,  was  pre- 
vented by  popular  clamor. 

9.  Skirmish  at  Potosi,  Mo.  Rebels 
driven  off  with  loss  of  2  killed,  3  wounded. 

10.  Battle  of  Wilson's  Creek,  JIo.  The 
Federal  army  under  Gen.  Lyon,  6,200  men, 
was  defeated  by  the  combined  forces  of 
Gens.  Price  and  McOuUoch,  20,0(tO.  Gen. 
Lyon  was  killed.  Federal  loss,  223  killed, 
721  wounded,  292  missing.  Rebel  loss, 
(McCulloch's  report,)  265  killed,  800 
wounded,  30  missing ;  Price's  report  of 
Missouri  troops,  156  killed,  617  wounded. 

12.  "  Bangor  (Me.)  Democrat "  office  de- 
stroyed by  a  mob. 

12.  C.  J.  Faulkener,  ex-minister  of  U.  S. 
to  France,  arrested  on  a  charge  of  treason. 


13.  Skirmish  rear  Grallon,  Va.  200 
rebels  routed,  21  killed  and  wounded,  by 
Capt.  Dayton's  company  of  4th  Virginia, 
without  loss. 

14.  Mutiny  in  New  York  79th  regiment, 
near  Washington. 

14  Gen.  Fremont  declares  martial  law 
in  St.  Louis,  Ma 

14.  "  War  Bulletin  "  and  "  Missourian  " 
journals  suppressed  at  St.  Louis. 

14.  Mutiny  of  60  men  of  2d  Maine  at 
Arlington,  Va. ;  who  were  arrested  and 
sentenced  to  be  sent  to  the  Drj'  Tortugas. 

14.  All  lojal  men  notified  by  Jeft'.  Davis 
to  leave  the  Confederate  States  in  40  days. 

15.  Two  Federal  sailors  killed  and  2 
wounded,  of  the  U.  S.  steamer  Resolute, 
in  a  skirmish  at  Mathias  Point,  Va. 

16.  Col,  Hecker's  regiment  surprised  400 
rebels  at  Fredericktown,  Mo.,  capturing  12 
men  and  all  the  camp  equipage. 

16.  Five  New  York  newspapers  were 
presented  by  the  Grand  Jury  as  hostile  to 
the  Government. 

16.  A  "Peace"  meeting  at  Say  brook. 
Conn.,  broken  up. 

16.  $58,01)0  seized  by  U.  S.  troops  at 
Genevieve,  Mo.,  and  taken  to  St.  Louis. 

16.  Proclamation  of  Pres.  Lincoln,  de- 
claring commercial  intercourse  with  the 
eleven  States  in  rebellion  unlawful,  except- 
ing such  parts  thereof  as  have  or  may  be- 
come restored  to  loyal  government,  and 
forfeiting  all  vessels  therefrom  or  bouml  to 
the  same,  after  15  days. 

17.  Railway  train  near  Palmyra,  Mo., 
fired  into  by  rebels.  One  soldier  was  killed, 
and  several  wounded. 

18.  Privateer  Jeff.  Davis  wrecked  on  the 
bar  at  St.  Augustine,  Fla. 

18.  Gen.  Wool  assumed  command  at 
Fortress  Monroe. 

19.  Capt.  Haleman  with  60  mounted  men 
left  Bird's  Point  for  Charleston,  Mo.,  and 
encountered  a  body  of  rebels,  killing  2  and 
capturing  83  men  and  S5  horses,  without 
any  ca.sualty  themselves.  ^ 

19.  Skirmish  at  Charleston,  Mo.  Two 
hundred  and  fifty  of  22d  Illinois  under  CoL 
Dougherty,  and  Licut.-Col.  Ransom  of  11th 
Illinois  defeated  800  rebels  under  CoL 
Hunter  of  Jeff.  Thompson's  army.  20  rebels 
were  killed  and  wounded,  and  17  prisoners 
taken.  The  Union  loss  was  1  killed  and  6 
wounded. 

1 9.  Two  hundred  and  forty  Union  fugi- 
tives from  E.  Tenn.  arrived  at  Danville, 
Kj'.,  and  were  fed  in  the  Seminary  yard. 

19.  Office  of  the  "  Sentinel,"  Easton,  Pa., 
destroyed  by  a  Union  mob. 

19.  A.  L.  Kimball,  editor  of  the  "Essex 
Co.  Democrat,"  Haverhill,  Mass.,  was  tarred 


Aug.  18G1. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


4Y5 


and  feathered,  and  ridden  on  a  rail  by  a 
Union  mob. 

19.  "Passports"  required,  by  notice 
from  the  Department  of  State,  from  all  per- 
sons leaving  or  arriving  within  the  United 
States. 

19.  Office  of  th'e  "  Jeffersonian,"  West- 
chester, Pa.,  destroyed  by  a  Union  mob. 

19.  Office  of  "The  People's  Friend,"  at 
Covington,  Ind.,  destroyed  by  a  Union  mob. 

20.  Skirmish  at  Hawk's  IS'est,  in  the  Ka- 
nawha Valley,  Va.  A  body  of  rebels  attacked 
the  11th  Ohio,  but  were  driven  back  with 
loss.   Union  loss,  2  wounded  and  1  missing. 

20.  The  Wheeling  (Va.,)  Convention 
passed  an  ordinance  to  erect  a  new  State, 
to  be  called  Kanawha. 

20.  A  railway  train  from  JeiTerson  City, 
Mo.,  when  near  Lookout  Station,  was  fired 
into  by  rebels,  and  1  soldier  killed  and  6 
wounded.  2  rebels  were  killed,  several 
wounded,  and  6  prisoners  taken. 

20.  Gen.  McClellan  assumed  command 
of  the  army  of  the  Potomac. 

20.  Gen.  Butler  assumed  command  of 
U.S.  Volunteer  forces  near  Fortress  Monroe. 

21.  Surprise  of  part  of  company  K,  Ohio 
'7th,  near  Cross  Lane,  W.  Virginia,  2  killed 
and  9  wounded,  5  of  whom  were  taken  pris- 
oners, including  Capt.  Shutte. 

22.  Disloyal  papers  were  rejected  from 
the  U.  S.  mails.  Large  bundles  of  papers 
were  seized  by  the  U.  S.  Marshals  in  Phil- 
adelphia and  other  cities. 

22.  The  "  Stark  County  Democrat"  office, 
in  Canton,  Ohio,  was. destroyed  by  a  Union 
mob. 

22.  The  steamer  "Samuel  Orr"  was 
seized  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  by  rebels,  and 
taken  up  the  Tennessee  river. 

24.  A  portion  of  the  Cherokee  Indians 
made  an  alliance  with  the  "  Southern  Con- 
federacy." The  Cherokees  and  Creeks  raised 
2,000  men  for  the  rebel  army,  and  were 
promised  payment  of  their  annuities  by  the 
Confed.  Commissioners. 

24.  Arrest  of  Mayor  Berret,  of  Wash- 
ington. 

24.  The  office  of  the  Bridgeport  (Conn.,) 
'  Farmer  "  was  destroyed  by  a  Union  mob. 

24.  Office  of  the  "AUeghanian,"  Cumber- 
land, Md.,  was  destroyed  by  a  Union  mob. 

25.  A  band  of  rebels  at  Wayne  Court- 
House,  Va.,  was  routed  by  53  Federals 
under  Capt,  Smith,  from  Camp  Pierpont, 
Ceredo,  Wayne  co.,  Va.  4  rebels  were 
killed,  and  8  taken  prisoners. 

25.  All  vessels  and  boats  on  the  Poto- 
mac seized  by  Government  authorities. 

25.  Gov.  H.  R.  Gamble,  of  Mo.,  issued  a 
call  for  42,000  State  militia,  to  serve  six 
months,  unless  sooner  discharged. 


26.  Surprise  of  7tli  Ohio,  Col.  Tyler,  at 
Cross  Lanes,  near  Summersville,  W.  Vir- 
ginia, by  a  large  force  of  rebels.  16  killed, 
40  wounded,  and  30  prisoners.  Rebel  loss 
not  known. 

20.  The  War  Department  prohibited  the 
transmission  or  publication  of  any  intelli- 
gence of  army  or  naval  movements  calcu- 
lated to  give  information  to  the  enemy. 

26.  The  Postmaster-General  directed 
postal  agents  to  arrest  express  agents  or 
others  engaged  in  transmitting  letters  to 
seceded  States  in  violation  of  the  Presi- 
dent's proclamation  of  16th  inst. 

26.  Com.  Foote  ordered  to  the  command 
of  U.  S.  naval  forces  on  the  Western  waters. 

26.  A  naval  and  military  expedition  to 
N.  Carolina  coast  sailed  from  Hampton 
Roads,  Va.,  under  command  of  Com.  String- 
ham  and  Maj.-Gen.  Butler. 

26.  Skirmish  of  two  companies  of  N.  Y. 
23d,  with  a  large  force  of  rebels  at  Ball's 
Cross  Roads,  Va.  One  Federal  killed,  and 
one  wounded. 

28.  A  party  of  Federal  troops  under 
Capt.  Smith  attacked  and  dispersed  a  force 
of  rebels  at  Wayne  Court-House,  W.  Vir- 
ginia, and  returned  to  Ceredo  without  loss. 
Five  or  6  of  the  rebels  were  killed  or 
wounded,  and  8  captured. 

28-29.  Bombardment  and  capture  of 
Forts  Hatteras  and  Clark,  at  Hatteras 
Inlet,  N,  C.  30  pieces  of  cannon,  1,000  stand 
of  arms,  3  vessels  with  valuable  cargoes, 
and  750  prisoners  were  taken. 

29.  Fight  at  Lexington,  Mo.  The  rebels, 
rmder  Col.  Reed,  were  driven  off  with  loss 
of  8  killed  and  several  wounded.  The  Fed- 
erals had  5  or  6  wounded,  and  several  loyal 
citizens  were  captured. 

30.  Martial  law  was  proclaimed  through- 
out Missouri,  by  Gen.  Fremont,  and  the 
slaves  of  all  persons  found  in  arms  against 
the  U.  S.  declared  free. 

Sept.  1.  Skirmish  at  Bennett's  Mills, 
Mo.  Attack  on  Home  Guards  commanded 
by  Lieut.  Chandler,  by  .a  large  force  of 
rebels.  Federal  loss,  3  killed,  6  wounded. 
Rebel  loss  unknown. 

1.  Fight  at  Boone  Court-House,  Va. 
Rebels  defeated,  with  a  loss  of  30.  Six 
Federal  soldiers  wounded. 

2.  Fight  near  Fort  Scott,  Mo.  600  rebels 
under  Gen.  Rains,  were  attacked  and  pur- 
sued b}'  500  Federals  under  CoL  Montgom- 
ery. The  rebels  falling  back  on  reinforce- 
ments. Montgomery  retreated. 

2.  The  Mass.  13th  captured  20  Cliarles- 
ton,  S.  C,  cavalry,  after  killing  3  and 
wounding  5, 2^  miles  from  Harper's  Ferry. 

2.  Col.  Crossman,  of  Gen.  Kelly's  staff, 
with  two  companies,  attacked  400  rebels, 


470 


TIIK   "VVAK   FOR   THE    IXIOX. 


sei  t.  1861. 


at  Wyrtliiriijton,  Miirion  co.,  Va.,  by  wliom 
he  was  repulsed  witli  tlie  loss  of  two  men. 

Sept.  3.  Pnsscnirer  tniin  on  the  Ilniinihal 
antl  yt.  J')sej)Ii  railway.  Mo ,  was  thrown 
into  the  I'latte  river,  by  the  jjivin!^  way  of 
a  bridfre.  partly  biirnetl  by  the  rebels.  17 
person.'*  were  killeil,  and  60  wounded. 

4.  An  enn:)i<;enient  on  the  Mississippi 
river  occurred,  near,  Hickman,  Ky.,  be'- 
tween  national  iriinboats  Tyler  and  Lexinj;- 
ton  and  the  rebyl  gunboat  Yankee  and 
Bhore  batteries. 

6.  Paducali,  Ky.,  was  occupied  by  Fed- 
eral forces  under  (len.  Grant. 

'7.  Gens.  Pillow  and  Polk  occupied  Co- 
lumbus, Ky.,  with  7,000  rebels. 

7.  Five  schooners  were  captured  by  Fed- 
eral oflicers  at  H.itteras  Inlet. 

8.  Gen.  Pojie  broke  up  a  camp  of  8,000 
rebels  near  llunncville,  Mo.,  under  Gen. 
Green,  and  captured  a  lar^e  quantity  of 
stores. 

9.  A  revolt  occurred  among  the  N.  Y. 
Rifles,  at  Willett's  Point,  N.  Y.  Two  men 
■were  killed  ajul  6  wounded. 

9.  A  government  steamer  conveying  pris- 
oners from  Lexington,  Mo.,  to  Fort  Leaven- 
worth, broke  her  rudder,  anfl  being  obliged 
to  land,  the  vessel  was  seized  by  the  rebels, 
the  prisoners  liberated,  and  40  Federal 
soldiers  captured. 

10.  15(>  Union  prisoners,  among  them  all 
the  principal  officers  held  captive  by  the 
rebels  at  Richmond,  were  sent  to  Castle 
Pinckney,  in  Charleston  harbor. 

10.  Battle  of  Carnifex  Ferry,  near  Sum- 
mersville;.  Ya.  Federal  commander,  Rose- 
cranz,  rebel,  Floj-d,  who  retreated  with 
small  loss.  Federal  loss,  16  killed,  102 
wounded. 

11.  Skirmish  at  Lewinsville,  Va.  Fed- 
eral loss,  6  killed,  10  wounded. 

11.  The  President  modified  Gen.  Fre- 
mont's emancipation  proclamation. 

1 1.  The  Kentucky  Legislature,  by  a  vote 
of  71  to  26,  ordered  the  Confederate  troops 
to  leave  the  Statow 

12.  A  rebel  camp  at  Petersburg,  Hardy 
CO,,  Va.,  was  broken  up  by  Capt.  Kid's  cav- 
alry, and  large  amount  of  stores  captured.    I 

12.  Skirmish  at  Black  river,  near  Iron- 
ton,  Mo.    A  detachment  of  Indiana  cavalry, 
under  Major  Gavitt,  defeated  a  body  of 
rebels,  under  Ben.  Talbot,  killing  5,  cap   | 
turing  4,  and  25  horses  and  a  quantity  of  j 
arms.  ' 

12.  The  Legislature  of  Kentxicky  author-  i 
ized  the  Governor  to  call  out  the  State  mil- 
itary to  repel  the  Southern  invaders.  I 

12.  Two  slaves,  the  property  of  T.  L. 
Snead,  a  secessionist  of  St.  Louis,  were 
miaumitted  by  Geo.  Fremoot.  I 


13.  A  large  body  of  rebels,  under  CoL 
Brown,  were  repulsed  tr<  in  ll.K.ne\ille,  Mo., 
with  a  loss  of  12  killed  and  30  wounded, 
by  Home  Guards  under  Capt.  Eppstein, 
who  lo.«t  1  killed  and  4  wounded. 

12-14.  Two  engagements  occurred  on 
Cheat  Mountain,  Western  Va..  in  which  the 
rebels,  under  Gen.  R  E.  Lee,  were  defeated 
with  a  loss  of  100  killed  and  wounded, 
among  the  former,  Col.  J.  A.  Washington, 
and  20  prisoners.  The  Federal  forces,  un- 
der Gen.  J.  J.  Reynolds,  lost  13  killed,  20 
wounded,  and  OO  prisoners. 

13-18.  The  provost  marshal  of  Balti- 
more,  Md.,  arrested  Major  Brown,  Ross 
Winans,  and  Messrs.  Pitts.  Sangster,  Wal- 
lis,  Scott,  Dennison,  Quinlan,  Lynch,  War- 
field,  Hanson,  and  J.  C.  Brune,  of  the  Leg- 
islature, also  editors  Howard  and  Hall,  by 
order  of  the  War  Department. 

13.  An  expedition  from  the  U.S.  frigate 
Colorado,  under  Lieut.  J.  H.  Russell,  cut 
out  and  destroj-ed  the  privateer  Judah,  un- 
der the  rebel  guns  at  Pensacola.-  The  Fed- 
eral loss  was  3  killed  and  15  wounded. 

14.  A  rebel  camp  near  Kansas  City,  JIo., 
was  broken  up ;  7  men  killed  and  6  taken 
prisoners?. 

18.  Col.  F.  P.  Blair,  Jr  ,  was. arrested  at 
St.  Louis  for  disrespectful  language  when 
alluding  to  superior  officers. 

15.  A  body  of  rebels  attacked  Col.  Gea- 
ry's 28th  Pennsylvjuiia  regiment,  stationed 
on  the  Potomac,  three  miles  above  Harjier's 
Ferry,  and  were  repulsed  with  severe  loss. 
One  of  Col.  Geary's  men  was  killed,  and 
several  slightly  wounded. 

16.  A  naval  expedition  from  Hatteras  In- 
let under  command  of  Lieut.  J.  Y.  Max- 
well, destroyed  Fort  Oeracoke,  on  Beacon 
Island,  N.  C. 

16.  The  Federal  gunboat  Conestc^a  cap- 
tured the  steamers  V.  R.  Stephenson  and 
Gazelle,  on  Cumberland- river,  Ky. 

16.  Ship  Island,  near  the  mouth  of  the 
ilississipi)i  river,  was  occupied  bj-  Federal 
forces  from  the  steamer  Massachusetts. 

1 7.  A  fight  took  place  at  Mariatown,  Mo., 
between  600  Federals,  under  Cols.  Mont- 
gomery and  Johnson,  and  400  rebels,  who 
were  defeated  with  a  loss  of  7  killed,  and 
100  horses  and  their  tents  and  supplies 
c.iptured.  Col.  Johnson  and  2  Federal 
jirivates  were  killed,  and  6  wounded. 

17.  A  train  on  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi 
railway,,  with  a  part  of  the  19th  Illinois 
regiment,  broke  through  a  bridge  near  Hu- 
ron, Ind  ,  by  which  26  soldiers  were  killed 
and  112  wounded. 

17.  500  of  the  3d  Iowa,  under  Lieut.- 
Col.  Scott,  attacked  and  were  rejnilsed  by 
8,000  rebels,  under  Gen.  D.  R.  Atchison,  at 


Sept.  1861. 


CHROXOLOGT. 


4V7 


Bll  e  Mills  Landin£:,  Mo.     Tlie  Federal  loss 
was  over  lUU  in  killed  and  wounded. 

18.  Skirmish  at  Barboursvillo,  Ky.,  be- 
tween the  Home  Guard  and  ZoUicotFcr's 
men.  7  rebels  were  killed,  and  1  guard 
wounded  and  ano^er  taken  prisoner. 

IS.  Eijijhteen  seeessioii  members  of  the 
Slaryland  Legislature  were  arrested  and 
lodged  in  Fort  Mellenry. 

19.  Ex-Gorernor  Morehead  and  others, 
of  Louisville,  Ky.,  were  arrested  by  the 
U.  S.  raarsluvl  on  charges  of  treason,  or 
complicity  with  treason. 

20.  Surrender  of  CoL  Mulligan's  com- 
mand, at  Lexington,  Mo.,  to  the  rebel  Gen. 
Price,  after  4  days'  siege. 

21.  Geu.  Lane's  command  surprised  a  su- 
perior force  of  rebels  at  Papinsville,  Mo., 
routing  them  with  a  Union  loss  of  17  killed 
and  40  wounded  ;  rebel  loss,  40  killed,  100 
prisoners,  and  all  their  tents  and  supplies. 

21.  Two  detachments  of  troops  trom 
Union  gunboats,  near  Glasgow,  Mo.,  en- 
countered each  other,  while  reconnoitering 
at  nig! it,  and  by  mistake  four  were  killed 
and  several  wounded. 

21.  Gen.  Robert  Anderson  assumed  com- 
mand of  Federal  and  State  troops  in  Ky. 

21.  J.  C.  Breckinridge  fled  from  Frank- 
fort, Ky.,  and  openly  joined  the  rebels. 

22.  Skirmish  of  the  7th  Iowa,  at  Elli- 
ott's Mills,  Ky.,  with  rebel  cavalry,  who 
were  defeated  with  the  loss  of  three  of  their 
number. 

23.  Ross  Winans,  of  Md.,  took  the  oath 
of  allegiance. 

23.  Capt.  Goldsborough  succeeded  Com. 
Stringham  in  command  of  the  Chesapeake 
blockading  fleet. 

23.  Detachments  of  8th  and  4th  Ohio, 
and  Ringgold's  cavalry,  under  Cols.  Parke 
and  Cantwell,  advancing  from  New"  Creek 
toward  Romney,  Va.,  attacked  and  drove 
out  700  rebels  from  Mechanicsville  Gap, 
and  pursued  their  combined  forces  of  1,400 
from  Romney  to  the  mountains.  Federal 
loss  3  killed,  10  wounded;  rebel  loss  15 
killed,  30  wounded. 

24.  The  Comte  de  Paris  and  the  Due  d« 
Chartres,  grandsons  of  Louis  Philippe  of 
France,  were  attached  as  aids  to  Gen.  Mc- 
Clellan's  staff,  and  commissioned  as  cap- 
tains. 

25.  Successfiil  expedifion  of  3,000  men, 
under  Gen.  W.  F.  Smith,  for  reconnoitering 
and  forage,  from  Chain  Bridge  to  Lewins- 
ville,  Va.  A  large  quantity  of  stores  were 
captured. 

2.5.  Engagement  at  Chapmansville,  West- 
em  Va.  Col.  Pratt,  with  560  of  the  84th 
Ohio,  defeated  a  body  of  rebels  under  Col. 
J.  W.  Davis,  killing  29,  including  their 


commander,  and  wounding  a  large  number. 
Col.  Pratt's  loss  was  4  killed,  8  wounded. 

25.  A  body  of  rebels  wei  e  defeated  near 
Osceola,  Mo.,  by  Federal  trooi)8  under  Col. 
Montgomeiy,  who  set  fire  to  the  town.  10 
rebels  killed  ;  1  Federal  killed,  4  wounded. 

25.  James  B.  Clay  (son  of  tlie  illustrious 
Henry,)  and  16  other  rebels  were  captured 
near  Danville,  Ky.,  while  on  their  way  to 
ZoUicofi'er's  camp. 

26.  At  Lucas  Bend,  Ky.,  75  of  Captain 
Stewart's  cavalry  attacked  and  routed  40 
rebel  cavalry,  killing  4  and  capturing  6, 
without  loss  themselves, 

26.  By  Presidential  jjroclamation  of  Aug- 
ust 12,  this  day  was  observed  as  a  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer  throughout  the  loyal 
States. 

27.  A  body  of  Kansas  troops,  under 
Montgomery  and  Jamison,  engaged  the  ad- 
vance guard  of  McCulloch's  rebel  army 
near  Shanghai,  in  Benton  co.,  Mo.,  and 
drove  them  back  with  loss. 

27.  Gen.  Fremont,  with  15  steamers  and 
15,000  men,  sailed  from  St.  Louis  up  the 
Missouri  river. 

27.  The  rebels  evacuated  Munson's  Hill, 
Va.,  which  was  occupied  by  Federal  troops. 

28.  Baker's  California  regiment,  and  Bax- 
ter's Philadelphia  volunteers  mistook  each 
other  for  rebels,  at  Fall's  Church,  Va.,  and 
fired,  killing  15  and  wounding  30. 

Oct.  1.  The  U.  S.  steamer  Fanny,  with 
35  men  of  the  9th  N.  Y.  volunteers,  was 
captured  by  the  rebels  on  the  north  coast 
of  Hatteras  Inlet.  She  was  loaded  with 
government  stores. 

2.  A  secessionist  camp  at  Charleston, 
Mo.,  was  broken  up,  and  40  rebels  captured. 

2.  $33,000,  deposited  in  the  St.  Louis 
Building  and  Savings  Association,  for  the 
part  payment  of  a  U.  S.  annuity  to  the 
(iherokee  Indians,  declared  confiscated  to 
the  Government  in  consequence  of  the  se- 
cession of  that  tribe. 

3.  Attack  on  an  entrenched  camp  com- 
manded by  Gen.  II.  A.  Jackson,  at  Green- 
brier, Western  Va.,  by  Union  forces  under 
Gen.  J.  J.  Rejnolds.  Union  loss  8  killed, 
32  wounded ;  rebel  loss  greater.  A  drawn 
battle. 

3.  Gen.  Price,  and  the  rebel  army  undar 
his  command,  withdrew  from  Lexington, 
Mo.,  leaving  a  brigade  as  a  guard. 

3.  Gustavus  Smith,  formerly  Street  Com- 
missioner of  New  York,  was  appointed  a 
Major-General  in  the  rebel  army. 

4.  Commander  Alden,  U.  S.  steamer 
South  Carolina,  captured  two  schooners  ofl 
the  S.W.  Pass  of  the  Mississippi,  with  four 
to  five  tliousand  stand  of  arms. 

4.  A  company  of  110  Texas  rangers  were 


41S 


THE   WAR   FOR   THE    UXION. 


Oct.  1861. 


defeated  by  100  U.  S.  troops  from  Fort 
Craig,  at  Alimosa,  N.  M.  lo  Tcxans  and 
their  ca))tain  killed,  and  30  wounded. 

Oct.  4.  Two  boats  from  U.  S.  steamer 
Louisiana,  Lieut.  A.  Murray,  destr()5'eda  re- 
bel schooner,  being  fitted  out  for  a  privateer, 
at  Chincoteague  Inlet,  Vn.  They  engaged 
and  repulsed  the  rebels  with  a  loss  of  4 
U.  S.  seamen  wounded. 

4.  A  large  force  of  rebels,  under  Col. 
Wright,  attacked  the  20th  Indiana,  CoL 
Brown,  at  Chicamacomico,  near  Ilatteras 
Inlet.  Federals  retreated,  leaving  their 
pickets,  wounded,  and  camp  equipage  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemy. 

4.  Gen.  Butler,  commanding  the  Military 
Department  of  New  England,  had  his  head- 
quarters at  Boston. 

6.  The  rebel  forces  under  Col.  Wright 
were  driven  from  the  Chicamacomico  with 
severe  loss,  by  U.S.  steamer  Monticello. 

7.  John  Ross,  principal  Chief  of  the 
Clierokee  Indians,  negotiated  a  treaty  of 
alliance  on  behalf  of  that  people  with'  the 
Confederate  Government. 

7.  57  released  prisoners,  taken  by  the 
rebels  at  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  arrived  at 
Fortress  Monroe  from  Richmond. 

7.  U.  S.  gunboats  Tyler  and  Lexington 
exchanged  shots  with  rebel  batteries  at 
Iron  Bend,  3  miles  above  Columbus,  Ky. 

8.  Brig.-Gen.  William  T.  Sherman  ap- 
pointed to  command  the  Department  of  the 
Cumberland  (Kentucky),  in  place  of  Brig.- 
Gen.  R.  Anderson,  retired  from  ill-health. 

8.  200  rebels  under  Capt.  Holliday.  en- 
camped two  miles  from  Ilillsboro',  Ky„ 
were  attacked  and  defeated  by  a  body  of 
Home  Guards,  imder  Lieut.  Sadler.  Rebel 
loss  11  killed,  29  wounded,  22  prisoners; 
also  127  rifles  and  other  arms.  Federal 
loss  3  killed,  3  wounded. 

9.  Attack  upon  Wilson's  N.  Y.  Zouavai, 
at  Santa  Rosa  Island,  four  miles  from  Fort 
Pickens,  at  2  a,  m.,  by  1,600  rebels  under 
Gen.  Anderson.  The  regulars  from  Fort 
Pickens,  and  the  Zouaves,  defeated  the  reb- 
els, killing  and  wounding  about  100,  and 
taking  36  prisoners.  Federal  loss  13  killed, 
21  wounded. 

9.  Federal  troops  under  Gen.  Smith  ad- 
vanced from  Chain  Bridge,  and  occupied 
Lewinsville,  Va. 

10.  Cavalry  skirmish  4  miles  fjrOm  Padu- 
cah,  Ky.  2  of  the  4th  U.  S.  cavalry  mor- 
tally wounded,  and  2  taken  prisoners. 

11.  The  rebel  steamer  Nashville,  com- 
manded by  Lieut  R.  B.  Pegram,  escaped 
from  Charleston,  S  C. 

11.  Lieut.  Harrell,  of  U.  S.  steamer 
Uijiou,  with  three  boats'  crews,  cut  out  and 
burnt  a  rebel  schooner  in  Dumfries  Creek, 


on  the  Potomac,  and  escaped  without  loss. 
11.  Missouri  State  Convention  met  at  St 
Louis,     i 

11.  Marshal  Kane  was  transferred  from 
Fort  McHenry  to  Fort  Lafayette. 

12.  Rebel  steamer  Cheodora  ran  the 
blockade  at  Charleston,  S.  C,  having  on 
board  Messrs.  Mason  and  Slidell,  Commis- 
sioners to  England  and  France,  with  their 
secretaries. 

12.  Capt.  P.  G.  Morton  captured  a  train 
of  21  wagons,  425  cattle,  and  35  prisoners, 
with  stores  for  hostile  Cherokees,  at  Chel- 
sea, Kansas. 

12.  Cavalry  skirmish  south  of  Cameron, 
Ray  CO.,  Mo.  A  company  of  Major  James' 
cavalry  routed  a  large  body  of  rebels,  who 
lost  8  killed  and  5  prisoners.  One  Federal 
was  killed  and  4  wounded. 

12.  Six  rebel  gunboats,  the  ram  Manas- 
sas, and  a  fleet  of  fireships,  attacked  the 
U.  S.  fleet  at  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi, 
and  were  repulsed  by  them  with  slight  loss 
on  either  side. 

12.  A  party  of  12  of  a  N.Y.  Zouave  reg- 
iment, under  Lieut.  Zeller,  were  captured 
by  the  rebels  near  Newport  News,  Va. 

12.  Forty  men  of  the  39th  Indiana  at- 
tacked and  defeated  a  superior  force  of  reb- 
els, 8  miles  from  Green  river,  AVestern  Va., 
without  los&  themselves,  killing  6  and 
wounding  3  of  the  enemj-. 

12.  Night  skirmish  near  the  residence 
of  Cy.  Hutchinson,  Barren  co.,  Ky.  Ten 
Federal  horsemen,  under  Cols.  Hobson  and 
Pennebraker,  and  Capt.  S.  Taylor,  encoun- 
tered 100  rebel  cavalry,  of  whom  4  were 
killed  and  several  wounded.  Federal  loss, 
8  killed. 

12.  500  men  of  the  Piatt  (Cincinnati) 
Zouaves,  imder  Lieut.- Col.  Toland,  and  two 
companies  of  the  4th  Va.,  drove  out  a  large 
body  of  rebels  from  Winfield,  20  miles  be- 
low Charleston,  on  the  Kanawha,  Western 
Va.,  who  had  been  committing  depreda- 
tions. The  Federals  captured  a  large  quan- 
tity of  military  stores. 

12.  Skirmish  between  a  detachment  of 
the  39th  Indiana,  under  Lieut.-CoL  Jones, 
and  58  l-ebel  cavalrj',  near  Upton's,  14 
miles  below  Camp  Nevin,  Ky.  "The  rebels 
were  repulsed  with  a  loss  of  5  killed  and  S 
wounded. 

12.  A  woman  and  five  children,  from 
families  of  U.  S.  soldiers  from  Utah,  were 
drowned  while  attempting  to  cross  the 
Platte  river  on  a  raft,  near  St  Josephs,  Mo., 
the  rope  having  been  cut  by  an  enemy. 

13.  Eighteen  miles  N.E.  of  Lebanon,  Mo., 
Major  Wright,  with  two  companies  of  U.S. 
cavalry,  routed  300  mounted  rebels,  under 
Capts.  Lorrels  and  Wright     62  of  the  reb- 


Oct.  1861. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


470 


els  were  killed  and  wounded,  and  30  taken 
prisoners.  One  Federal  trooper  was  killed, 
lo.  Skirmish  at  Beckweth's  farm,  12 
miles  S.E.  of  Bird's  Point,  Mo.  20  men 
under  Lieut.  Tufts,  encountered  a  superior 
force  of  rebels,  and  after  engaging  them 
retired.  2  were  killed,  6  wounded,  and  3 
missing,  of  the  national  force:  12  were 
killed  and  wounded  of  the  rebels. 

13.  Brig  Grenada,  of  New  York,  was 
captured  by  tlie  privateer  "  Sallie,"  of 
Charleston,  which  ran  the  blockade  on  the 
10th  instant. 

14.  150  voters  of  Chincoteague  Island, 
Accomac  co.,  Va.,  took  the  oath  of  allegi- 
ance to  the  U.  S.,  in  the  presence  of  Lieut. 
Murray,  of  U.  S.  ship  Louisiana.  The  in- 
habitants of  the  island,  1,0U0  in  number, 
were  loyal :  no  other  flag  than  the  national 
had  thus  far  been  allowed  to  float  on  the 
island. 

14.  Major  White,  with  one  company  of 
Missouri  Scouts,  captured  45  rebels  at  Linn 
Creek,  Mo.,  commanded  by  Capt.  Roberts. 

14.  The  U.  S.  Secretary  of  State,  Wm. 
H.  Seward,  issued  a  circular  to  the  Gover- 
nors of  all  States  bordering  on  the  ocean 
and  the  lakes,  recommending  that  their  de- 
fences should  be  put  in  effective  condition 
to  meet  the  contingency  of  foreign  war,  in- 
stigated by  rebel  emissaries. 

15.  U.  S.  sterner  Roanoke,  off  Charles- 
ton, captured  and  burnt  the  ship  Thomas 
Watson,  which  ran  on  Stono  reef  while  at- 
tempting to  evade  the  blockade. 

15.  Ten  of  the  K  Y.  14th  killed  2  rebels 
in  a  skirmish  near  Lewinsville,  Va. 

15.  Gen.  Wool,  at  Fortress  Monrpe,  de- 
clined to  receive  a  flag  of  truce  from  Nor- 
folk. 

15.  600  rebels,  under  Gen.  Jeff.  Thomp- 
son, attacked  and  captured  40  U.  S.  sol- 
diers guarding  the  Big  river  bridge,  near 
Potosi,  Mo.  Federal  loss  1  killed,  6  wound- 
ed ;  rebel  loss  5  killed,  4  wounded.  The 
rebels  paroled  the  U.  S.  soldiers  and  burnt 
the  bridge. 

15.  The  rebel  batteries  at  Aquia  creek 
and  Shipping  Point,  on  the  Potomac,  fired 
on  all  vessels  passing,  but  inflicted  no  seri- 
ous damage. 

15.  Three  U.  S.  steamers  sailed  from 
New  York  in  pursuit  of  the  privateer  Nash- 
ville. 

16.  Col.  J.  W.  Geary,  of  the  Penn.  28th, 
with  400  men  from  his  own,  the  13th  Mass. 
and  3d  Wis.,  crossed  the  Potomac  at  Har- 
per's P'erry,  and  captured  21,000  bushels 
of  wheat,  stored  in  a  mill  near  Bolivar 
Heiglits.  A  severe  skirmish  occurred  with 
a  body  of  rebels  who  disputed  the  ground, 
from  whom  the  Federals  captured  a  32- 


pounder,  and  made  good  -their  retreat,  ac- 
complisliing  the  object  of  the  expedition. 
Federal  loss,  4  killed,  8  wounded. 

16.  Major  F.  J.  White,  with  220  Missouri 
scouts,  surprised  the  rebels  at  Lexington, 
Mo.,  and  without  loss,  captured  60  or  70 
prisoners,  released  Cols.  White  and  G rover, 
and  1 2  other  captives,  and  seized  2  steam- 
boats, with  arms,  ammunition  and  stores. 

16.  1,000  rebels  under  Gen.  Thompson 
and  Col.  Lowe,  near  Ironton,  Mo.,  were  de- 
feated with  a  loss  of  36  killed  and  wounded, 
by  Maj.  Gavitt's  Indiana  cavalry,  and  5 
companies  of  Col.  Alexander's  21st  Illinois. 
Union  loss,  11. 

19.  Col.  Morgan,  with  220  men  of  the 
18th  Missouri  regiment,  and  two  pieces  of 
artillery,  defeated  400  rebels  on  Big  Hur- 
ricane Creek,  Carroll  co..  Mo.,  killing  14, 
and  taking  8  prisoners.  Col.  Morgan  had 
14  men  woimded — two  mortally. 

19.  Twenty  rebel  N.  C.  prisoners  were 
sent  to  Fortress  Monroe,  to  be  released  on 
taking  an  oath  not  to  bear  arms  against 
the  Government. 

21.  Battle  of  Edward's  Ferry,  Va.  1,900 
men  from  Gen.  C.  P.  Stone's  division,  under 
command  of  Col.  E.  D.  Baker,  U.  S.  senator 
from  Oregon,  were  ordered  to  cross  the  Po- 
tomac at  Harrison's  Island,  or  Ball's  Bluff, 
to  support  reconnoissances  above  and  below 
that  point.  At  4  r.  m.  they  were  attacked 
by  3,000  rebels  under  Gen.  Evans,  and 
driven  to  the  river  bank,  where,  there  being 
no  adequate  provision  for  crossing,  they 
suffered  severe  loss,  by  the  enemy's  fire, 
and  by  drowning.  Killed,  223,  wounded, 
250,  taken  prisoners,  500.  Rebel  loss  about 
200  in  killed  and  wounded. 

21,  About  2,500  rebels,  near  Frederick- 
to\vn.  Mo.,  under  Jeff.  Thompson  and  CoL 
Lowe,  were  attacked  by  3,500  Federal 
troops,  commanded  by  Col.  J.  B.  Plummer, 
of  11th  Missouri,  with  Missouri,  Illinois, 
Wisconsin  and  Indiana  troops,  under  Cols. 
Ross,  Marsh,  Hovey,  Baker,  Lieut-.CoL 
Pennabakcr,  Maj.  Sdiofield,  Capt.  Stewart 
and  Lieut.  Wliite.  The  rebels  were  d'e- 
feated  with  great  loss,  and  Col.  Lowe  was 
killed.  The}-  left  175  bodi/23  on  the  field, 
and  had  a  large  number  wounded.  Eighty 
were  taken  prisoners,  and  4  heavy  guns 
were  captured.  The  Federal  loss  was  1 
killed  and  60  wounded. 

21.  A  portion  of  the  rebel  General  Zolli 
coffer's  command  was  repulsed  from  an  ad- 
vanced po.sition  of  General  Schoepf's  bri- 
gade, near  Camp  Wild  Cat,  Laurel  co., 
Ky..  The  Federal  loss  was  4  killed  and  21 
wounded. 

22.  Flag-officer  Craven,  of  the  Potomac 
flotilla,  reported  the  Potomac  river  com- 


480 


THE  WAB  FOB  THE   UNION. 


Oct.  18G1. 


manded  by  rebel  batteries,  at  all  important 
points  belo.v  Alexandria. 

Oct.  22.  A  detachment  of  U.  S.  cavalry 
broke  up  a  rebel  camp  at  Buffalo  Mills, 
Benton  co.,  Mo.,  killin:^  and  wounding  20, 
taking  OH  prisoners,  22  wagons  abd  a  num- 
ber of  horses. 

23.  C  .1.  Len.  Harris,  with  the  2d  Ohio, 
two  •I'.ins  of  Capt  Konkle's  Oliio  battery 
and  Ca  >t.  Langhlin's  cavalry,  drove  out  a 
body  of  2'>0  rebels  from  West  Liberty, 
Morgan  co.,  Ky.,  after  a  skirmish  in  which 
lU  were  killed,  5  wounded,  and  6  made  pris- 
oners, of  the  reb'ls,  with  no  loss  on  the 
part  of  the  Federals.  A  small  quantity  of 
stores  was  captured. 

23.  Fifry  men  of  the  6th  Indiana  while 
Bkirmisliing  near  Hodges ville,  Ky.,  were 
attacked  by  a  superior  force  of  rebels, 
whom  they  repulsed,  killing  3  and  wound- 
ing 5.  Three  of  the  Federals  were  severely 
wound  d,  including  Lieut.  Grayson,  their 
commander. 

23.  Gen.  Fred.  W.  Lander  was  appointed 
to  command  the  brigade  of  the  late  CoL 
Baker. 

24.  President  Lincoln  suspended  the 
writ  of  habeas  corpus,  so  far  as  related  to 
military  arrests,  in  the  District  of  Columbia, 

24.  The  steamer  Salvor  was  captured 
while  attempting  to  run  the  blockade  at 
Tampa  Bay,  Fla. 

24.  Western  Virginia  voted  almost  unan- 
imously in  favor  of  a  division  of  the  State. 

24.  The  western  section  of  the  California 
tclegrapli  was  completed  to  Salt  Lake  City, 
connecting  the  wires  from  the  Pacific  to  the 
Atlantic  ocean. 

24.  Skirmish  between  the  pickets  of  Gen. 
Wm.  T.  Ward  and  a  scouting  party  of  reb- 
els near  Campbellsville,  Ky.  Several  of 
the  rebels  were  killed  and  wounded,  and 
their  captiin  taken  prisoner. 

25.  160  of  Gen.  Fremont's  Bodyguard, 
under  command  of  Major  Zagonyi,  charged 
2,000  rebels,  drawn  up  to  receive  them, 
near  Springfield,  Mo.,  routed  them,  and 
occupied  the  town.  Rebel  loss,  106  killed, 
many  wounded,  and  27  prisoners.  Za^onyi's 
loss,  15  killed,  27  woundeti,  10  missing. 
The  Missouri  "  Prairie  Scouts,"  under  Maj. 
F.  J.  White,  attacked  the  rear  of  the  rebel 
force,  at  the  same  time,  making  three  suc- 
cessful charges,  and  inflicting  severe  loss 
on  the  enemy.  The  loss  of  the  "  Scouts  " 
was  33  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

26.  An  artillery  fight  across  the  Poto- 
mac, at  Edward's  Foriy,  for  several  hours. 
Two  killed  in  Gen.  Banks'  encampment, 
and  3  wounded.  Both  parties  were  com- 
pelled to  move  back  their  encampments. 

26.  Gen.  B.  F.  Kelly,  with  2,500    Vir 


ginia  and  Ohio  Volunteers,  from  New  Creek, 
Va.,  attacked  an  inferior  rebel  force  near 
Romney,  who  were  routed  and  pursued 
through  that  town  with  severe  loss.  CoL 
Thos.  Johns,  of  2d  regiment,  Potomac  Home 
Brigade,  made  a  diversion  of  the  enemy's 
force,  by  marching  to  the  rear  of  Romney, 
by  way  of  Frankfort,  and  engaged  and  held 
in  check  a  regiment  of  the  rebels.  The  ex- 
pedition was  successful  in  capturing  a  large 
supply  of  militarj  stores  and  provisions. 
Federal  loss,  2  killed,  14  wounded.  Rebel 
loss,  10  killed,  15  wounded,  and  a  number 
of  prisoners,  including  Col.  Angus  McDon- 
ald, their  commander :  their  artillery  wag- 
ons, camps,  etc.,  were  captured, 

26.  Parson  Brownlow  was  forced  to  sus- 
pend the  publication  of  the  Knoxville 
(Tenn.)  W/iig. 

26.  A  wagon  train  was  established  be- 
tween Baltimore  and  Washington,  for  want 
of  sufficient  railway  facilities,  consequent 
on  the  danj^r  from  rebel  batteries  in  navi- 
gating the  Potomac. 

26.  Major  Phillips,  with  SCO  of  the  9th 
Illinois,  from  Paducah,  sailed  on  the  steamer 
Conestoga  to  West  Eddyville,  Ky.,  on  the 
Cumberland  river,  where  they  landed  and 
marched  6  miles  to  Saratoga,  and  surprised 
a  detachment  of  rebel  cavalry,  under  Capt. 
Wilcox.  After  a  brief  resistance  the  en- 
emy fled,  losing  13  killedi many  wounded, 
24  prisoners,  and  52  horses.  Four  of  the 
Illinois  men  were  wounded. 

26.  Surprise  of  a  rebel  encampment  at 
Plattsburg,  Clinton  co.,  Mo.,  by  a  superior 
force  of  Federals.  Rebel  loss,  8  killed,  12 
prisoners,  one  cailnon,  and  a  quantity  of 
small  arms. 

28.  Three  rebel  vessels  were  surprised 
and  burnt  at  Chincoteague  Inlet,  Va.,  by  a 
portion  of  the  crew  of  U.  S.  gunboat  Louis- 
iana, under  Lieut.  A  Hopkins. 

28.  D.  Davis,  of  111,  J.  Holt,  of  Ky.,  and 
H.  Campbell,  of  Mo.,  were  aj)pointed  Com- 
missioners by  Pre-s.  Lincoln  to  audit  all  un- 
settled military  claims  in  Missourj. 

29.  250  U.S.  Kentucky  volunteers,  under 
CoL  Burbridge,  marched  from  Owensboro* 
to  Morgantown,  Kv.,  crossed  the  river  at 
that  point,  defeated  a  superior  rebel  force 
and  destroyed  their  camp.  Federal  loss,  2 
wounded. 

28,  Gen.  J.  B.  Henderson,  with  a  su- 
perior force,  surrounded  and  captured  400 
rebels  at  Dyer's  Mills,  near  Concord,  Mo. 
They  were  allowed  to  lay  down  their  arma 
and  return  home. 

29.  Nearly  100  "contrabands"  arrived 
at  Fortress  Monroe  in  two  days. 

29.  Rebel  State  "  Conference"  at  Russell- 
Tille,  Ky. 


Oct.  1861. 


CHUONOLOGY. 


481 


29.  The  great  naval  expedition  sailed 
from  Fortress  Monroe,  under  tlie  command 
of  Flag-officer  Com.  8ainuel  F.  Dupont, 
comprising  77  vessels  of  all  classes.  The 
land  forces,  numbering  20,000  men,  were 
commanded  by  Brig.-Gen^  Thos.  W.  Sher- 
man. 

81.  Skirmish  at  Mofgantown,  Green 
River,  Ky.  Col.  Mellenry's  command  drove 
a  party  of  rebels  attached  to  Buckner's 
camp  across  the  river,  with  loss. 

81.  j^t  N.  York,  the  jury  empaneled  for 
the  trial  of  the  sailors  caj)tured  on  the  pri- 
vateer Savannah,  the  first  rebel  armed  ves- 
sel that  was  commissioned,  failed  to  agree. 

Nov.  1.  Lieut.-Gen.  Winfield  Scott,  at 
his  own  request,  was  retired  from  active 
service,  and  Alaj.-Gen.  George  B.  McClellan 
was  appointed  to  succeed  him  as  Command- 
er-in-chief of  the  U.  S.  army. 

1.  Lieut-CoL  Morse,  with  450  cavalry 
and  infantry,  surprised  and  routed  a  rebel 
force  800  strong,  under  Col.  Sweeny,  in 
camp  near  Renick,  Randolph  co..  Mo. 

1.  Rebels  from  Gen.  P'loyd's  command 
attacked  a  Federal  camp  at  Gauley  Bridge, 
Va.,  by  cannonading  from  the  opposite 
shore.  They  were  driven  into  the  hills  by 
3  companies  from  Gen.  Beuham's  camp,  at 
Hawk's  Nest. 

1.  A  violent  storiti  overtook  the  naval 
expedition  off  the  N.  C.  coast.  3  vessels 
were  disabled  and  returned,  2  were  driven 
ashore,  and  2  foundered.     Seven  lis-es  lost. 

2.  Gen.  Fremont,  at  Springfield,  received 
an  order  from  Washington,  relieving  him 
from  command  of  tKs  Department  of  Mis- 
soiiri.  Gen.  Hunter  was  appointed  tempo- 
rarily to  the  command. 

2.  An  address  was  issued  by  Gov.  Har- 
ris, of  Tenn.,  calling  upon  the  people  to 
furnish  every  shot-gun  and  rifle  to  defend 
the  soil. 

2.  Major  Joseph's  Missouri  militia,  num- 
bering 129,  were  attacked  at  Platte  City, 
Mo.,  by  Silas  Gordon  with  300  rebels,  who 
were  repulsed  with  a  loss  of  13  killed  and 
wounded.  30  prisoners,  many  guns,  and  all 
their  equipments. 

2.  The  English  steamer  Bermuda  ran  the 
blockade  at  Charleston,  S.  C,  with  2,000 
bales  of  cotton. 

2.  Prestonburg,  Ky.,  was  occupied  by 
Union  troops  under  Gen.  Nelson,  without 
opposition. 

3.  et  xef/.  Risingof  Union  men  in  E.  Tenn., 
who  burned  or  broke  down  several  impor- 
tant railroad  bridges. 

3.  Five  rebel  boats  made  an  attack  on 
Fort  Hatteras.  N.  C,  but  were  repulsed  by 
the  U.  S.  gunboat  National,  and  the  Fort. 

8  Col,  Greensle  drove  rebel  troops  from 
31 


Houston,  Mo.,  and  returned  to  Rolla  with 
several  prisoners  and  a  large  amount  of 
property. 

4.  Enthusiastic  Union  meeting  in  Balti- 
more Co.,  Md.,  addressed  by  Reverdy  John- 
son. 

4.  Jiarboursville,  Ky.,  was  occupied  bj 
1,500  Federals  without  opposition. 

6.  Extra  session  of  South  Carolina  Legis- 
lature atljourned,  after  choosing  Presiden- 
tial electors  and  ordering  the  banks  to  loan 
the  State  $300,000. 

5.  Colonel  Corcoran  and  15  other  national 
officers  who  were  prisoners,  were  selected 
by  lot  by  the  rebels,  as  hostages,  to  be  hung 
in  the  event  of  that  punishment  being  award- 
ed to  the  privateers  held  by  the  national 
government. 

C.  Two  parties  of  rebel  troops  met  above 
Newport  News,  Va.,  and  by  mistake  fired 
on  each  otlier,  killing  and  wounding  a 
number.  Among  the  killed  was  Major 
Bailey,  of  Mobile. 

6.  The  grand  jury  at  Frankfort,  Ky., 
found  indictments  for  treason  against  32 
prominent  citizens,  among  whom  were  R. 
J.  Breckinridge,  Jr.,  J.  C.  Breckinridge, 
Humphrey  Marshall,  and  Benj,  Desha. 

6.  Electors  for  President  and  V.  Presi 
dent  were  chosen  throughout  the  revolted 
States,  and  also  members  of  CQngress. 

6.  120  Federals,  under  Capt.  Shields, 
were  captured  by  500  rebels  near  Little 
Santa  Fe,  Mo.  They  were  on  their  way  to 
join  Gen.  Fremont's  column. 

6.  The  13th  Indiana  regiment.  Col.  J.  J. 
Sullivan,  and  Capt.Robinson's  Ohio  cavalry, 
returned  to  Huttonsville,  Va.,  from  an  ex- 
tensive march  through  Webster  Co.  Several 
rebels  were  killed  and  wounded  in  scouting, 
and  13  prisoners  taken. 

7.  Battle  of  Belmont,  Mo.,  Gens.  Grant 
andJMcClernand  with  2,850  men,  landed  at 
Belmont  at  8  a.m.,  drove  in  the  rebel  pick- 
ets and  captured  their  camp,  which  was 
burnt.  A  battery  of  1 2  guns  was  taken, 
and  about  200  prisoners.  Meantime,  a 
large  reinforcement  of  rebels  was  landed 
from  Columbus,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
river,  which  intercepted  Gen.  Grant's  army 
in  their  return  to  their  boats.  The  Feder- 
als cut  their  way  through  a  much  superior 
force  of  the  enemy,  losing  150  of  their  num- 
ber prisoners,  together  with  their  killed 
and  wounded,  who  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
rebels.  Federal  loss,  89  killed.  150  wound- 
ed, 150  missing.  The  rebel  loss  was  great- 
er, 155  were  taken  prisoners. 

7.  Gen.  Hunter,  Fremont's  successor  in 
Missouri,  repudiated  the  agreement  just 
made  between  (Jens.  Fremont  and  Price, 
the  rebel  commander,  concerning  theprivi- 


482 


THE   WAB   FOB  THB   UNIOK. 


Nov.  1861. 


legos  of  unarmed  citizens,  and  the  disarm- 
ing of  unrecognized  bodies  of  men. 

Nov.  7.  Skirmishing  on  New  river,  near 
Gauley  Bridge,  Va.  Federal  forces  under 
Gen.  Uosecrans,  drove  off  a  body  of  rebels 
who  had  besieged  his  camp  for  several  dayl. 
Several  rebels  and  one  private  of  13th 
Ohio  killed. 

7.  Tiie  Federal  fleet  under  Com.  Dupont 
captured  Forts  Warren  and  Beauregard  at 
Fort  Royal  entrance,  and  took  the  town  of 
Beaufort,  S.  C,  with  a  loss  of  8  killed,  6 
badly  wounded,  and  17  slightly.  None  of 
the  national  vessels  seriously  damaged. 
Rebel  loss  unknown,  but  not  large. 

7.  Two  launches  and  40  men,  commanded 
by  Lieut.  Jas.  E.  Jouett,  from  the  U.S.  frigate 
Santee,  off  Galveston,  Texas,  surprised  and 
burnt  the  rebel  privateer  Royal  Yacht,  by 
night,  after  a  sharp  conflict,  killing  several 
of  the  rebels,  and  capturing  13.  Federal 
loss  2  killed  and  7  wounded. 

8.  U.  S.  gunboat  Rescue  shelled  out  a 
rebel  battery  at  Urbana  Creek,  on  the  Rap- 
pahannock, Va.,  and  captured  a  large  schoo- 
ner with  stores. 

8.  Five  railway  bridges  were  burned  in 
E.  Tennessee  by  Unionists. 

8.  Capt.  Wilkes,  with  the  U.  S.  steam 
sloop-of-war  San  Jacinto,  overhauled  the 
English  mail  steamer  Trent  in  the  Bahama 
channel,  and  took  from  her  the  rebel  emis- 
saries Ma-:on  and  Slidell,  with  their  secre- 
taries, who  had  taken  passage  for  England. 

8.  Col.  Grensle  returned  with  his  com- 
mand to  RoUa,  Mo.,  from  an  expedition 
against  the  rebels  in  Texas  co.,  bringing  9 
prisoners,  600  liead  of  cattle  and  40  horses 
and  mules. 

8.  A  portion  of  Gen.  Nelson's  Ky.  brig- 
ade were  ambuscaded  while  on  their  waj*  to 
Pikcton,  Ky.,  by  200  rebels  in  a  strong 
position.  The  rebels  were  dispersed  with 
the  loss  of  10  killed,  15  wounded.  Gen. 
Nelson  had  6  killed  and  24  wounded.  An- 
other portion  of  Gen.  Nelson's  brigade  un- 
der command  of  Col.  Sill,  reached  Piketon 
by  a  circuitous  route,  and  attacked  a  body 
of  rebels,  defeating  them  with  a  small  loss, 
and  having  one  Federal  soldier  killed. 

8.  A  bridge  on  the  E.  Tenn.  railway,  200 
4eet  span,  avhs  destroyed  by  Unionists. 
Also  4  on  the  line  N.  of  Knoxville,  and  a 
heavy  wooden  bridge  at  Charleston,  Brad- 
ley CO.,  Tenn. 

9.  Maj.-Gen.  Henry  W.  Halleck,  of  CaL, 
was  ordered  to  take  command  of  the  De- 
partment of  Missouri,  in  place  of  Gen. 
Fremont;  Brig.-Gen.  Don  Carlos  Buell,  of 
Ind.,  was  appointed  to  command  the  De- 
partment of  Kentucky:  Maj.-Gen.  Hunter 
to  command  the  Department  of  Kansas : 


Col.  E.  R.  S.  Canley,  the  Department  of  N. 
Mexico. 

10.  A  band  of  rebel  marauders  was  cap- 
tured by  Lieut.  Shriver,  with  a  squad  of 
Ist  Iowa  cavalry,  near  Clark's  Station,  Mo. 

10.  A  portion  of  Gen.  Cox's  brigade  cross 
ed  the  New  ri^r  near  Gauley,'  Va.,  and 
attacked  Floyd's  forces  posted  there,  who 
retreated  after  a  severe  skirmisli,  in  which 
the  11th  Ohio  regiment  lost  8  killed  and  10 
wounded. 

10.  150  of  the  9th  Virginia  regiment, 
CoW  K  V.  Whaley,  were  surprised  at  Guy- 
andottc,  Va.,  on  the  Ohio  river,  by  a  supe- 
rior force  of  rebels,  and  after  a  sharp  skir- 
mish, in  which  8  of  the  Federals  were  killed 
and  12  wounded,  and  nearly  the  same  loss 
sustained  by  the  rebels,  Col.  Whaley  and 
45  of  his  men  were  captured,  and  the  rest 
escaped.  About  two-thirds  of  the  town 
was  burned  next  day  by  the  Union  Virginia 
and  Ohio  troops  who  arrived  there,  in  re- 
taliation for  the  treachery  and  cruelty  of 
the  rebel  inhabitants  evinced  in  the  scenes 
of  the  engagement. 

11.  At  Columbus,  Ky.,  two  rebel  lieu- 
tenants and  six  privates  were  killed  by  the 
explosion  of  a  Dahlgren  gun.  Rev.  Maj.- 
Gen.  Polk  narrowly  escaped. 

11.  110  of  Col.  Anthony's  regiment  at- 
tacked a  rebel  camp  on  the  Little  Blue 
river,  near  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  which  proved 
too  strong  for  them,  and  after  severe  fight, 
Col.  Anthony's  men  were  drawn  off  in  good 
order,  losing  8  killed  and  8  wounded. 

12.  Reconnoissance  in  force  by  Gen. 
Ileintzelmau,  with  6.(rOi»  men,  to  Occoquan 
Creek,  Va.,  18  miles  from  Alexandria.  Capt. 
Todd's  company  of  Lincoln  cavalry  were 
surprised  by  a  superior  force  of  rebels,  3 
killed,  1  wounded  and  3  taken  prisoners, 
including  the  captain, 

12.  Attack  on  the  U.S.  fleet  at  the  Passes 
of  the  Mississippi,  by  the  Manassas  Ram, 
5  gunboats  and  several  fire  ships,  under 
command  of  Capt.  Hollins.  U.  S.  ship 
Vincennes  grounded,  and  the  Richmond 
was  damaged  by  the  ram  and  also  ground- 
ed :  but  the  enemy  were  driven  off  without 
qt)taining  any  advantage. 

12.  The  privateer  Beauregard,  of  Charles- 
ton, S.  C,  with  27  men,  was  captured  100 
miles  E.  N.  E.  of  Abaco,  by  the  U.  S.  slooj)- 
of  war  W.  G.  Anderson,  Lieut.  W.  C.  Rog- 
ers, commanding. 

12.  Skirmish  on  Laurel  Creek  by  portions 
of  Gen.  Benham's  with  Gen.  Floyd's  forces, 
in  which  the  rebels  retreated  after  small 
loss. 

12.  Skirmish  of  Gen.  Kelly's  pickets 
near  Romney,  Va.,  losing  2  killed  and  seve- 
ral wounded.     12  rebels  taken  prisoners. 


Nov.  18G1. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


488 


13.  Rebel  Gen.  Zollicoffer  retreated  from 
Cumberland  Ford  to  Cumberland  Gap.Tenn. 

14.  The  priv^ateer  schooner  Neva,  from 
China,  was  seized  at  San  Francisco,  Cal., 
by  Capt.  Pease,  of  U.  S.  cutter  Mary. 

14.  Lieut.  J.  H.  Rigby,,with  2(i  men  of 
the  Gist  Artillery,  on  an  expedition  from 
Salisbury,  Md.,  to  Wilmington  and  New- 
castle, Md.,  seized  3  brass  6-pounders  and 
100  muskets,  in  possession  of  secessionists 
in  those  places. 

14.  The  Gov.  of  Florida,  by  proclama- 
tion, forbade  the  enlistment  of  citizens  of 
that  State  to  serve  in  any  other  portion  of 
the  Confederacy. 

14.  $30,000  had  been  raised  by  Southern 
people  for  the  widow  of  "  the  martyr  Jack- 
son,"  who  killed  Col.  Ellsworth,  at  Alex- 
andria, Va. 

14.  Gen.  Benham,  in  pursuit  of  the  army 
of  Gen.  Floj-d,  in  W.  Va.,  overtook  the  rear 
guard  near  McCoy's  Mills,  and  defeated  it, 
killing  15  rebels,  among  them  Col.  Croghan. 
Floyd,  in  his  retreat,  destroyed  200  of  his 
tents,  and  lost  10  wagon-loads  of  ammuni- 
tion and  arms. 

14.  Fast-day  was  observed  in  the  rebel 
States. 

14.  Steamship  Champion  arrived  at  New 
York  from  Aspinwall,  bringing  Gen.  Sum- 
ner and  several  companies  of  regular  sol- 
diers from  San  Francisco,  having  under 
arrest  ex-Senators  Gwin  and  Brent,  and  C. 
Benham,  late  Attorney  General  of  Califor- 
nia, charged  with  complicity  with  the 
rebels. 

16.  A  party  of  57  of  the  N.  Y.  30th,  at- 
tached to  Gen.  Keyes'  brigade  on  the  Poto- 
mac, while  out  foraging  west  of  Upton's 
Hill,  Va.,  were  betrayed  and  surrounded  by 
200  rebel  cavalry,  and  one  half  their  num- 
ber, with  the  teams  and  wagons,  captured. 

16.  50  wagons  and  500  oxen,  with  the 
teamsters  and  stores,  were  captured  near 
Pleasant  Hill,  Cass  co..  Mo.,  by  the  rebels. 

16.  68  Federal  prisoners,  the  crews  of 
fishing  smacks  captured  off  the  Florida 
coast,  were  taken  to  Tallahassee,  Fla. 

17.  Union  troops  under  Col.  Alcorn, 
defeated  Hawkins'  regiment  at  Cypretes 
Bridge,  McClean  co.,  Ky.,  routing  them 
with  severe  loss,  and  taking  25  prisoners, 
300  horses,  etc.  Federal  loss,  10  killed, 
15  wounded. 

17.  A  party  of  Union  troops  recaptured 
nearly  all  the  wagons  and  cattle  seized  the 
day  before  near  Pleasant  Hill,  Mo. 

17.  U.S.  gunboat  Connecticut  captured 
British  schooner  Adelaide,  with  military 
stores  and  supplies  for  rebels,  near  Cape 
Carnaveral,  and  took  her  into  Key  West. 

17.  Lieut.  G.  W.  Snyder,  U.  S.  A.,  a  val- 


uable engineer  officer,  died  at  Washington, 
of  typhoid  fever. 

17.  The  3d  Missouri  cavalry  routed  a 
large  number  of  rebels  near  Palmyra,  Mo., 
while  on  their  way  to  join  Price's  army, 
killing  3,  Avounding  5,  taking  16  prisoners. 

18.  The  rebel  Congress  met  at  Rich- 
mond, v.,  Howell  Cobb,  of  Ga.,  in  the  chair. 

18.  Capt.  A.  H  Foote  was  appointed  Flag- 
officer  of  the  fleet  of  the  Western  Military 
Department. 

18.  Gen.  Halleck  assumed  charge  of  the 
Missouri  Department,  virc  Gen.  Hunter. 

18.  Information  was  received  at  Wash- 
ington of  the  imposition  practised  upon  the 
Indians  west  of  Arkansas,  by  Albert  Pike, 
rebel  Commissioner. 

18.  Rebel  troops  in  Accomac  and  North- 
ampton COS.,  Va.,  disbanded,  and  Union 
troops,  under  Gen.  Lockwood,  seized  their 
arms  and  took  possession  of  the  peninsula. 

18.  150  rebels  were  taken  prisoners  by 
Federal  cavalry,  near  Warrensburg,  Mo. 

19.  Missouri  rebel  legislature,  at  Neosha, 
Newton  co.,  passed  an  ordinance  of  seces- 
sion. 

19.  N.  Y.  ship  Harvey  Krch  was  cap- 
tured and  burnt  in  the  British  channel  by 
the  rebel  steamer  Nashville. 

19.  The  principal  part  of  Warsaw,  capi- 
tal of  Benton  co..  Mo.,  was  burnt  by  rebels. 

19.  Lieut.  Worden,  U.S.N.,  held  prisoner 
by  the  rebels,  was  exchanged  for  Lieut. 
Short,  of  the  Confederate  army. 

19.  U.  S.  gunboat  Conestoga  engaged 
rebel  batteries  on  the  Tennessee  river,  and 
silenced  them,  receiving  but  slight  damage 
herself.  • 

19.  First  flotilla  of  the  "Stone  Fleet" 
sailed  for  the  South,  from  Conn,  and  Mass. 

20.  Col.  Burchard,  with  Lieut.  Gregg  and 
24  men,  attacked  a  large  company  of  rebels 
under  Capts.  Hays  and  Gregg,  near  Kansas 
City,  Mo.,  and  defeated  them,  killing  5  and 
wounding  8.  The  CoL  and  Lieut,  were 
slightly  wounded. 

20.  A  special  Committee  from  the  Vir- 
ginia State  Convention  to  consider  proposed 
amendments  to  the  State  Constitution,  re- 
ported in  opposition  to  free  schools  and 
free  suffrage  for  poor  whites. 

20.  Secession  State  Convention  at  Rub- 
selville,  Ky.,  adopted  an  ordinance  of  seces- 
sion, and  appointed  Commissions  to  the 
rebel  government. 

22.  Two  U.  S.  gimboats,  Cambridge  and 
Hertzcl,  from  Fortress  Monroe,  shelled  ont 
the  camps  of  the  2d  Louisiana  and  10th 
Georgia  regiments,  at  the  junction  of  Jamea 
and  Warwick  rivers. 

22.  Fort  Pickens  opened  fire  on  the  rebel 
encampments  and  forts,  near  Pensacola,  Fla., 


484 


THE   "WAR   FOR   THE    UNION. 


Nov.  1861. 


which  was  replied  to  by  them,  and  a  se- 
vere cannonade  ensued  for  two  days.  Much 
damage  was  experienced  by  Fort  McRae, 
the  Navy  Yard,  and  town  of  Warrington — 
loss  of  life  slight  on  either  side.  The  U.  S. 
fleet  in  the  harbor  took  part.  The  Rich- 
mond was  badly  damaged  by  a  shot.  1 
killed,  6  wounded  at  Fort  Pickens :  1  killed, 
7  wounded  on  the  Richmond. 

Nov.  23.  The  Confederate  gimboat  Tub- 
corora  accidentally  took  fire  and  was  de- 
stroyed on  the  Mississippi,  near  ileleua, 
Ark. 

24.  An  explosion  took  place  at  Fort  Pick- 
ens, Fla.,  by  the  careless  handling  of  a  shell, 
by  which  5  men  were  killed,  and  7  wounded. 
"  24.  A  skirmish  in  Lancaster,  Mo.,  be- 
tween 450  Federals  under  Col.  Moore,  and 
420  rebels  commanded  by  Lieut.-Col.  Blan- 
ton.  The  rebels  were  routed  with  the  loss 
of  13  killed,  and  many  wounded  and  priso- 
ners.    Union  loss,  1  killed  and  2  wounded. 

24.  Tybee  Island,  in  Savannah  harbor, 
was  occupied  by  U.  S.  forces  under  Flag- 
officer  Dupont. 

24.  Rebel  Commissioners  Mason  and  Sli- 
dell  were  imprisoned  in  Fort  Warren,  Mass. 

25.  Col.  Bayard  with  the  1st  Pa.  Cav- 
alry made  a  reconnoissance  from  Langley  to 
Dranesville,  Va.,  and  in  a  skirmish  killed 
2  and  captured  4  rebels.  3  or  4  were 
wounded.  6  secessionists  were  also  arrest- 
ed.    2  of  the  Cavalry  were  wounded. 

25.  Com.  Tatnall,  with  3  steamers  and  a 
gunboat,  attacked  the  Federal  fleet  in  Cock- 
spur  Roads,  Ga.,  but  withdrew  without  in- 
jury, after  40  or  60  shots  were  exchanged. 

25.  The  State  of  Missouri,  a^  represented 
by  the  late  Governor  Jackson  and  the  Com- 
missioners from  the  rebel  members  of  the 
Le^-islature,  was  unanimously  received  by 
the  Richmond  Congress  as  a  member  of 
the  Confederacy. 

26.  The  house  of  Mr.  Bell,  near  Frank- 
lin, Tenn..  was  attacked  by  an  armed  party 
of  rebels,  the  building  fired,  and  the  in- 
mates, some  10  or  12,  all  killed  or  burned 
but  two,  who  escaped. 

26.  Skirmish  at  Black  Oak  Point,  Hick- 
ory CO.,  Mo.  Capt  Cosgrove  and  Lieut. 
Bobbitt,  with  25  men,  surprised  a  rebel 
camp,  killed  5,  captured  8,  and  took  75 
tents,  6  wagons,  10  horses,  35  guns,  and 
other  property,  and  released  6  loyal  pris- 
oners. 

26.  A  squadron  of  the  8d  Pa.  Cavalry, 
neaJ-  Vienna,  Va.,  were  attacked  on  three 
sides  by  a  superior  force  of  cavalry  and  in- 
fantry, and  retreated  after  a  short  engage- 
ment.    29  of  their  men  wore  Jiiissiug. 

26.  The  Convention  to  form  a  new  State 
in  W.  Va.,  met  at  Wheeling. 


27.  Federal  troops,  from  Gen.  Sherman'3 
command,  visited  Bear  Island  and  Edisto 
Island,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Ashepoo 
river,  S.  C.  ♦ 

27.  Henry  R.  Jackson  was  appointed  a 
Maj.-Gen.  in  the  Georgia  arraj'. 

27.  Gen.  McClellau  appointed  the  hour 
of  II  each  Sabbath  for  religious  worship 
throughout  the  U.  S.  army,  and  directed 
that  all  officera  and  men  olf  duty  should 
have  o]>portunity  to  attend. 

27.  Transport  Constitution  sailed  from 
Fortress  Monroe  to  Ship  Island,  Missis- 
sippi Sound,  with  a  portion  of  Gen.  But- 
ler's expedition,  under  Brig.  Gen.  Phelps. 

28.  Capts.  Robb  and  White,  and  Lieut.- 
Moonlight,  .three  U.  S.  officers,  were  cap- 
tured from  the  railway  train  at  Weston, 
Mo.,  by  Sy.  Gordon. 

28.  S.  (5.  planters  on  the  seaboard  burnt 
their  cotton,  to  prevent  its  capture  by  the 
Federal  forces  or  the  coast. 

29.  The  English  Government  forbade 
temporarily  the  exportation  of  cotton. 

29.  Major  Hough,  with  4  companies  of 
Missouri  cavalry,  in  defence  of  the  Sedalia 
railway  train,  had  an  engagement  at  Black 
Walnut  Creek,  JIo.,  in  wjiich  17  rebels  were 
killed  and  wounded,  and  5  taken  prisoners. 
5  of  the  cavalrj',  including  the  Major,  were 
wounded. 

29.  Col.  De  Kay,  Maj.  Sharpf  and  other 
Federal  officers,  and  40  men,  had  a  skir- 
mish about  a  mile  beyond  New  Market, 
Va.,  in  which  the  rebels  were  routed,  leav- 
ing 2  dead,  and  carrying  off  their  wounded. 

i>ec.  1.  The  U.  S.  steamer  Penguin  ar- 
rived at  Brooklyn  with  the  prize  "  Albion," 
captured  while  attempting  to  run  the  block- 
ade at  Charleston,  S.  C,  with  arms,  ammu- 
nition, provisions,  <fcc.,  worth  $10o,000. 

1 .  A  party  of  Federals  attacked  the  f  ebel 
pickets  at  Morristown,  E.  Tenn.,  killing  a 
large  number  and  putting  the  rest  to  flight. 

1.  Skirmish  near  Hunter's  Chapel,  Va., 
between  a  squadron  of  Gen.  Blenker's  horse- 
men and  a  squadron  of  rebel  cavalry,  who 
were  defeated,  losing  3  or  4  killed  and 
wounded,  and  2  prisoners.  1  Federal  killed. 

2.  The  first  regular  session  of  the  37th 
Congress  commenced  at  Washington. 

2.  A  party  of  citizens  in  Mo.,  near  Dunks- 
burg,  20  miles  west  of  Sedalia.  attacked  a 
body  of  rebels  under  Capts.  Young  and 
Whoatley,  killing  7  and  wounding  10  of 
them.     iSeveral  citizens  slightly  wounded. 

3.  Skirmish  at  Salem,  Dent  co..  Mo.  A 
party  of  Federal  soldiers,  commanded  by 
ilaj.  Bowen,  were  surprised  and  fired  on, 
while  sleeping  in  a  iiouse  near  headquar- 
ters, by  300  rebels  under  Cols.  Freeman  and 
Turner,  and  15  killed  and  wounded.    The 


Dec.  18G1. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


485 


main  body  of  the  Federals  were  drawn  out 
by  Maj.  Bowen,  who  attacked  the  rebels  in 
turn  and  drove  them  from  the  town.  1 
Federal  killed  and  4  wounded.  Rebel  loss 
unknown. 

3.  II.  0.  Burnett  of  Kj\  and  J.  W.  Reed 
of  Mo.  were  expelled  from  U.  S.  House  of 
Representatives  as  traitors. 

4.  Col.  Taylor  with  :S()  men  of  the  3d 
New  Jersey  had  a  skirmish  with  a  number 
of  rebel  cavalry  near  Annandale,  Va.,  three 
or  four  of  whom  were  captured,  and  several 
killed  and  wounded  without  Federal  loss. 

4.  Gen.  Phelps,  with  2,0(iO  men,  attached 
to  Gen.  Butler's  expedition,  occupied  Ship 
Island,  Mississippi  Sound. 

4.  A  detachment  of  Federal  cavalry  sur- 
prised the  rebel  guard  at  Whip-poor-will 
Bridge,  on  the  Memphis  Branch  railway, 
Ky.,  taking  11  prisoners.  5  or  6  Confed- 
erates were  killed  or  wounded.  4  Federals 
were  wounded. 

4.  J.  C.  Breckinridge  was  expelled  from 
the  U.  S.  Senate. 

6.  Reports  of  the  Sees,  of  War  and  Navy 
show  the  Government  had  in  service  for 
the  war  682,971  men. 

6.  Skirmish  at  Brownsville,  Ky.  100 
Home  Guards  defeated  a  superior  rebel 
force  under  Gen.  T.  C.  Hindman,  of  Ark. 
Rebel  loss,  3  killed,  5  wounded ;  the  Guards 
sustaining  no  loss. 

5.  Successful  foray  of  the  13th  Mass., 
Col.  Leonard,  from  the  Potomac  to  Berkley 
Springs,  Va.,  capturing  a  large  quantity  of 
provisions. 

5.  Riot  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  occasioned  by 
the  attempt  of  the  rebel  authorities  to  en- 
force the  the  endraftment  of  the  militia.  Two 
persons  were  killed  and  several  wounded. 

1.  At  Sedalia,  Mo.,  106  mule  teams  and 
the  teamsters  were  seized  by  rebels. 

Y.  Capt.  Sweeney,  with  35  rebel  guer- 
rillas, were  captured  near  Glasgow,  Mo., 
by  Capt.  Merrill's  cavalry. 

1.  Skirmish  near  Dam  No.  5  on  the  Po- 
tomac.    Rebels  driven  off,  losing  1 2  men. 

1.  Skirmish  near  Olathe,  Mo.  2  Federals 
killed.     3  rebels  killed  and  5  wounded. 

8.  Capt.  McGuire's  company  of  27th  Mo., 
captured  14  rebels  at  Sedalia,  Mo. 

8.  U.  S.  steamer  Augusta  captured  schr. 
E.  Waterman,  loaded  with  provisions,  coal 
and  war  munitions,  off  Savannah,  Ga. 

9.  Gen.  Halleck  required  all  municipal 
officers  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  as  well  as  State 
officials,  to  subscribe  to  the  oath  of  allegi- 
ance prescribed  by  the  State  Convention  in 
October  previous. 

9.  The  U.  S.  steamer  Harriet  Lane,  and 
6  steamers  attached  to  the  upper  Potomac 
flotilla,  shelled  the  woods  at  Badd's  Ferry, 


and  exchanged  shots  witli  the  rebel  batteries 
opposite,  at  Shipping  Point  Some  large 
buildings,  containing  rebel  stores,  were 
burnt,  by  boatmen  from  the  Jacob  Bell  and 
Anacosta. 

9.  Gov.  Pickens  of  S.  C.  proclaimed  the 
State  invaded,  by  land  and  sea,  and  called 
for  12,000  twelve-month  volunteers. 

9.  A  detachment  of  the  "  Stone  Fleet " 
left  New  Bedford,  Mass.,  for  a  southern  port. 

9.  Garret  Davis  was  elected  a  senator 
from  Ky.,  in  place  of  J.  C.  Breckinridge. 

9.  The  rebel  Congress  "  admitted  "  Ken- 
tucky to  the  Confederacy. 

11.  Federal  troops,  under  Lieut.-Col. 
Rhodes,  had  a  skirmish  near  Bertrand,  Mo., 
losing  1  man.  They  took  16  prisoners  and 
a  number  of  horses  and  fire-arms. 

11.  Five  vessels  of  the  Stone  Fleet,  and 
the  ships  George  Green  and  Bullion,  of 
Gen.  Butler's  expedition,  sailed  from  Bos- 
ton, Mass. 

11.  Skirmish  at  Dam  No.  4,  on  the  Po- 
tomac, near  Sharpsburg,  Md.  Seven  rebels 
on  the  Virginia  shore  were  killed,  and  many 
wounded.  Capt.  Williams  and  G  men  hav- 
ing crossed  the  river  were  captured  by  the 
rebels. 

11.  Great  fire  at  Charleston,  S.  C,  600 
houses  destroyed. 

]  2.  A  squad  of  men  from  Col.  Whitaker's 
regiment  were  defeated  in  an  attempt  to 
arrest  secessionists  near  Bagdad,  Shelby 
CO.,  Ky.,  and  retreated  with  one  wounded. 

12.  Col.  Merrill's  cavalry  regiment  re- 
turned to  Sedalia,  Mo.,  from  Waverley, 
bringing  as  jirisoners  4  rebel  capts.,  2  lieuts. 
and  40  men,  a  mortar,  and  many  horses. 

12.  Co.  I,  of  15th  Ohio,  were  attacked 
on  the  banks  of  the  Green  river,  Ky.,  by  a 
superior  force  of  rebel  cavalry,  whom  they 
repulsed,  wounding  several  of  the  cavalry, 
without  loss  themselves." 

13.  Villages  of  Papinsville  and  Butler, 
Bates  CO.,  Mo.,  rebel  rendezvous,  were 
burned  by  Maj.  Williams  of  the  3d  Kansas. 

13.  W^m.  H.  Johnson,  of  the  Lincoln  Cav- 
ab"y,  a  deserter,  who  was  captured,  under 
military  order  was  shot. 

13.  The  British  ship  Admiral  was  cap- 
tured off  Savannah,  Ga.,  while  attempting 
to  run  in,  by  the  Augusta. 

13.  Rebel  Gov.  Jackson,  of  Mo.,  issued  a 
proclamation,  from  New  Madrid,  praising 
the  valor,  fortitude  and  success  of  the  rebel 
army,  and  calling  for  more  volunteers. 

13.  Battle  of  Camp  Alleghany,  Va.  2,000 
Federal  trooi)S,  under  Brig.-Gen.  R.  H.  ilil- 
roy,  marched  from  Cheat  Mountain  Summit 
to  attack  a  rebel  camp  on  Alleghany  Sum- 
mit, of  2,000  troops,  under  Col.  E.  Johnson. 
The  Federals  approached  in  2  divisions,  of 


486 


THE  WAR   FOB  THE   UNION. 


Dec.  I8GI. 


750  each,  from  different  directions,  but  did 
not  arrive  simultaneously,  and  alternately 
attacked  the  whole  rebel  force.  They  re- 
tired after  a  well  contested  fi^^ht  of  8  hours, 
losing  20  killed,  107  wounded,  and  10  miss- 
in;^.  The  rebels  reported  about  the  same 
loss. 

Dec.  14.  Ex-minister  Faulkner  was  re- 
leased on  parole,  to  be  exchanged  for  Con- 
gressman Ely. 

14.  Reconnoissance  by  Federal  troops, 
within  '28  miles  of  Charleston,  S.  C.  The 
rebels,  as  the}'  retreated,  burnt  their  cotton. 

15.  Skirmish  on  the  Virginia  shore,  op- 
posite Berlin,  Md.  A  detachment  from  the 
28th  Penn.  were  attacked  by  120  rebuls  in 
ambush,  but  cut  their  way  through  to  tlinir 
boat,  and  escaped,  having  1  wounded,  and 
2  taken  prisoners.  2  of  the  enemy  were 
killed  and  5  wounded. 

16.  Many  Union  refugees  escaped  from 
Arkansas.  Capt.  Ware,  late  of  the  Ark. 
Legislature,  organized  a  military  company 
of  Ark.  Union  men  at  Rolla,  Mo. 

16.  Platte  City,  Mo.,  -^ras  fired  by  rebels, 
and  the  principal  public  buildings  de- 
stroyed. 

16.  The  Europa  arrived  from  England, 
with  news  of  the  excitement  among  the 
British  people  occasioned  by  the  arrest  of 
Messrs.  Mason  and  Slidell,  and  also  the  ul- 
timatum of  the  British  Government,  de- 
manding a  surrender  of  the  rebel  commis- 
sioners, and  an  apology  for  their  seizure. 
Mr.  Seward's  dispatch  to  Mr.  Adams,  dated 
Nov.  30,  having  settled  the  matter  in  an- 
ticipation, there  was  but  little  excitement 
in  the  public  mind. 

16.  Gen.  ZoUicoffer  established  a  camp 
on  the  banks  of  the  Cumberland  river,  six 
miles  from  Somerset,  Ky. 

16.  A  party  of  8  men  from  the  2d  and 
4th  N.  J.  advanced  to  Annandale,  on  the 
south  bank  of  the  Potomac.  They  were 
surprised  by  the  enemy  and  3  of  them  cap- 
tured. 

17.  Battle  at  Munfordsville,  Gr6en  river, 
Ky.  The  rebels  defeated ;  33  killed  and  60 
wounded.  Federal  loss,  10  killed  and  17 
wounded. 

17.  Gen.  Pope  captured  800  rebels  near 
Osceola,  Mo. 

17.  Entrance  to  the  harbor  at  Savannah, 
Ga.,  blockaded  by  sinking  7  vessels  laden 
with  stone. 

18.  A  part  of  Gen.  Pope's  forces  under 
Col.  J.  C.  Davis  and  Col.  F.  Steele,  sur- 
prised a  rebel  camp  near  Miiford,  north  of 
Warrensburg,  Mo.,  and  captured  nearly 
1300  men,  70  wagons  loaded  with  stores, 
and  all  their  camp  equipage  and  arms. 
Federal  loss,  2  killed,  17  wounded. 


18,  Gen.  Barnard.  Chief-engineer  of  the 
U.  S.  army,  reported  to  Congress  that  the 
defences  around  Washington  consisted  of 
48  works,  the  perimeter  of  which  was  48 
miles,  mouitting  above  300  guns. 

18.  The  Island  City  sailed  from  Boston 
for  Fortress  Monroe  with  240  rebel  prison 
ers,  to  be  exchanged. 

18.  Rebel  Gen.  Jackson  attempted  a 
movement  against  Williarasport,  Md.,  but 
Gen.  Williams  being  on  the  alert,  the  rebel 
force  retired. 

18.  News  from  Ky.,  that  Gen.  McCook, 
was  at  Munfordsville,  Gen.  Mitchell  at 
Bacon  Creek,  and  Gen.  ZoUicoffer,  (rebel) 
at  Cumberland  river,  near  Mill  Springs. 

19.  Skirmishing  at  Point  of  Rocks, 
Md.  Rebels  from  Va.  sl)ore  commenced 
shelling  the  encampment  of  CoL  Geary's 
Pennsylvania  regiment,  but  were  repulsed 
after  half  an  hour's  fight,  without  loss  on 
the  Federal  side. 

19.  A  band  of  25  rebels  visited  the  town 
of  Ripley,  Jackson  Co.,  Va.,  and  seized  all 
the  arms  in  the  place,  some  amnpunilion 
and  clothing.  They  also  robbed  the  post- 
office  and  the  liriniMpal  store  in  the  place. 

20.  George  W.  Jones,  late  U.  S.  Min- 
ister to  BogotJi,  was  arrested  in  New 
York  on  a  charge  of  treason. 

20.  Battle  of  Draiiesville,  Va.  Federal 
forces,  under  Gen.  E.  O.  C.  Ord,  defeat- 
ed about  2,800  Confederates  from  South 
Carolina,  Alabama,  and  Virginia.  Federal 
force  about  4,000  men,  of  whom  7  were 
killed  and  61  wounded.  Rebel  loss,  78 
killed  150  wounded  and  30  prisoners,  to- 
gether with  a  large  supply  of  foi-age. 

20.  A  scouting  parly  under  Capt.  Wood, 
captured  100  rebels  near  Springfield,  Mo., 
who  were  released  upon  taking  the  oath 
of  allegiance. 

20.  A  party  of  rebels  from  Gen.  Price's 
army  committed  extensive  i-avnges  on  the 
N.  Missouri  railway,  between  Hudson  and 
Warrenton.  The  bridges,  wood-piles,  water 
tanks,  ties  and  rails  were  destroyed  along 
the  route  for  80  miles. 

20.  103  Federal  soldiers,  under  Major 
McKee,  repulsed  a  superior  force  of  rebels 
four  miles  S.  of  Hudson,  Mo.,  killing  10  and 
capturing  17  prisoners  and  30  horses,  at 
the  same  time  rescuing  a  stock  train  which 
had  just  been  seized  by  the  rebels. 

20.  The  main  ship  channel  at  Charleston 
harbor,  was  obstructed  by  sinking  16  ves- 
sels of  the  "  stone  fleet." 

22.  Reconnoissance  in  the  vicinity  of  Ty- 
bee  Island  and  Broad  river,  Ga„from  Geo. 
Sherman's  command. 

22.  Skirmish  near  New  Market  bridge, 
Newport  News,  Ya.    Two  companies  ot 


Dec.  1861. 


CUEONOLOGT. 


487 


20th  N.  Y.  regiment,  under  Major  Sehoepf, 
were  attacked  by  700  rebel  cavalry  and  in- 
fantry, and  escaped  witli  loss  of  6  wound- 
ed. Ten  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and  a 
Dumber  wounded,  when  they  retreated. 

23.  Gen.  I'opesentan  expedition  to  Lex- 
ington, Mo.  Two  boats  of  the  rebels  were 
captured  and  burnt. 

26.  A  skirmish  took  place  at  Camp 
Boyle,  Columbia,  Ky.  A  body  of  rebels 
were  attacked  by  a  detachment  of  Col. 
Hazzard's  regiment,  under  Major  Ousley, 
•who  dispersed  them,  killing  5  and  wound- 
ing others,  without  loss  tiiemselves. 

26.  Gen.  MeCall  sent  a  reconnoitering 
party  towards  Dranesville,  Va.,  which  was 
driven  back  by  the  rebels,  who  had  a  force 
of  10,000  men  there. 

26.  A  Cabinet  Council  at  Washington, 
decided  to  give  up  Mason  and  Slide!!,  on 
the  gro.und  that  tliey  could  not  be  held 
consistently  with  the  doctrine  of  neutral 
rights  always  maintained  by  the  U.  S. 
Government. 

26.  Gen.  Scott  arrived  at  New  York,  in 
the  Arago.  from  France. 

26.  Bluffton,  S.  C,  was  occupied  by 
Federal  troops  under  Gen.  Stevens. 

26.  The  Liglitliouse  ou  Morris  Island, 
Charleston,  S.  C.  harbor,  was  blown  up  by 
order  of  rebel  authorities. 

26.  Major  Gower,  with  a  squadron  of 
1st  Iowa  cavalry,  arrived  at  Jefferson  City, 
Mo.,  bringing  as  prisoners,  1  capt.,  13  men, 
and  10  wagon  loads  of  stores. 

26.  Pliilip  St.  George  Cook,  a  Brig. -Gen. 
in  the  rebel  army,  shot  himself,  at  his  resi- 
dence in  Powhatan  Co.,  Va. 

26.  A  fire  occurred  in  the  government 
staldes  at  Washington,  D.  C,  in  which 
nearly  200  horses  were  burned. 

27.  Lord  Lyons,  the  British  minis- 
ter at  Washington,  was  notified  that  Mason 
and  Slidell  awaited  his  disposal, 

27.  Alfred  Ely,  U.  S.  representative 
from  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  taken  prisoner  at 
Manassas  Plains,  was  released  in  exchange 
for  C.  J.  Faulkner. 

27.  Tlie  rebel  pcjvateer  Isabel,  ran  the 
blockade  off  Charleston,  S.  C. 

27.  Tlie  bridges  over  Fabias  river  on  the 
Palmyra  railway.  Mo.,  destroyed  by  rebels. 

28.  Gen.   Buell's  army  in  Ky.,  was  re- 

Eorted  by  the  War  Department  to  num- 
er  60.000  men. 

28.  The  rebels  at  Bowling  Green,  Ky., 
were  reported  to  number  30,000,  under 
Gens.  A.  S.  Johnston,  Buckner,  and  Ilind- 
man. 

28.  Gen.  Prentiss,  with  5  companies  3rd 
Missouri  cavalry,  under  Col.  John  Glover, 
and  5    companies  of  Col.   Birge's   sharp- 


shooters, 470  in  all,  attacked  a  rebel  camp 
at  Mount  Zion,  in  Boone  Co.,  Mo.,  number- 
ing nearly  900  men.  The  reltels  were 
routed,  losing  25  killed,  160  wounded,  and 
40  prisoners.  90  of  their  horses  and  105 
stand  of  arms  were  captured.  The  Federal 
loss  was  3  killed  and  4^  wounded. 

28.  A  squadron  of  Federal  cavulry,  from 
Col.  Jackson's  regiment,  commanded  by 
Major  Murray,  left  their  camp  near  Cal- 
houn, K}'.,  on  »  scouting  expediti<jn  across 
Green  river.  They  were  attacked  near 
Sacramento,  by  a  large  force  of  rebels  un- 
der Col.  De  Forrest,  and  after  a  sliort  en- 
gagement compelled  to  retire.  Capt.  A.  G. 
Bacon  was  killed,  and  Lieut,  R.  11.  King, 
of  P'rankfort,  and  8  privates  wounded. 
Capt.  Merriweather  and  two  privates  of 
the  rebels  were  killed,  and  a  number 
wounded. 

30.  The  rebel  Gen.  H.  H.  Sibley  having 
entered  Ne"w  Mexico  with  a  military  force 
without  opposition,  took  possession  of  it, 
and  annexed  it  to  the  Southern  Confed- 
eracy by  proclamation. 

30.  Messrs.  Thomas  and  Burnett,  of  Ky., 
were  "  qualified  •'*  and  took  their  seats  iu 
the  rebel  Congress  at  Richmond,  Va. 

31.  Two  boats  under  Acting-Masters 
A.  Allen,  and  H.  L.  Sturges,  from  the 
U.  S.  steamer,  Mount  Vernon,  destroyed  a 
light  ship  off  Wilmington,  N.C,  which  the  ' 
rebels  liad  fitted_  up  for  a  gunboat.  The 
expedition  was  at  night,  and  tlie  boats 
were  under  fire  from  Fort  Caswell,'  but  es- 
caped injury. 

31.  Capt.  Shillinglaw  and  Masun,  K  Y. 
79th,  and  Lieutenants  Dickinson,  3rd  U.S. 
infantry,  J.  W.  Hart,  20th  Indiana,  and 
other  officers  and  men  were  released  by  the 
rebels  from  Richmond,  Va, 

31.  Capture  of  the  town  of  Biloxi,  Misa. 
by  U.  S.  gunboats  Lewis,  Water  Witch, 
and  New  London,  with  national  forces 
from  Ship  Island.  The  town  and  fort 
surrendered  without  a  fight.  The  guns 
were  removed  by  Commander  Smith,  and 
the  Federals  retired. 

1862. 

Jan.  1-  The  rebel  Commissioners  Mason 
and  Slidell, 'with  their  Secretaries,  left  Boa- 
ton  for  England,  via  Provincetown,  Mass., 
where  the  British  war  steamer  Kinaldo 
received  them. 

1.  Col.  H.  Brown  opened  fire  from  Fort 
Pickens  on  the  rebel  vessels  and  fortifica- 
tions within  range  of  his  guns,  which  was 
returned  by  the  enemy. 

1.  The  British  bark  Empress  arrived  at 
New  York  as  a  prize,  with  6,500  bags  of 
coffee,  captured  by  the  U.  S.  sloop-of-war 
Vincennes,  off  New  Orleans  bar. 


488 


THE    WAK   FOB   THE    UXFOX. 


Jan. 1862. 


Jan  .1.  Part  of  the  Louisville  and  Nash- 
ville  mi i way  was  destroyed  by  order  of 
the  rebel  Gen.  Buckner. 

1.  Skirmish  at  Port  Royal  Ferrj-,  S.  C. 
Federrtl  troops  under  Gen.  Stevens,  witli 
the  assistiince  of  five  gunboats,  crossed  from 
Beaufort  to  the  mainland  and  attacked 
batteries  erected  by  tlie  rebels,  who  re- 
treated towards  Grahamville.  Federal 
loss,  8  killed,  1 1  wounded.  Rebels,  6  kill- 
ed, 12  wounded.  ^ 

1.  Jeff.  Owens,  Col.  Jones,  and  60  rebel 
bridge-burners  were  captured  near  Martins- 
burg,  Adrian  Co.,  Mo.,  by  State  militia  un- 
der General  Schofield. 

1.  Four  Federal  soldiers  were  captured, 
1  killed,  and  10  guns  taken  by  a  party  of 
rebels  on  Green  river, 'Ky.,  near  Morgan- 
town. 

2.  The  U.  S.  gunboats  Yankee  and  Ana- 
costa,  exchanged  shots  with  the  rebel  bat- 
teries at  Cockpit  Point,  on  the  Potomac. 

2.  Daniel  P.  White  of  Ky.,  qualifi.'d  and 
took  his  seat  in  tlie  Confederate  Congress. 

3.  Col.  Glover,  with  300  Federal  troops, 
attacked  a  rebel  camp  9  miles  N.  of  Hun- 
newell,  Mo„  taking  8  prisoners,  putting  the 
rest  to  flight,  and  capturing  a  quantity  of 
arms,  <tc 

3.  240  released  Federal  prisoners  ar- 
rived at  Fortress  Monroe  from  Richmond. 

4.  The  84th  Pa.,  39th  111.,  500  cavalry 
and  other  troops  we«e  driven  from 
Bath,  Va.,  by  a  superior  rebel  force  under 
Gen.  Ja(!kson,  who  took  30  Federals  pris- 
oners. Tlie  Federals  retreated  to  Hancock, 
Md.  7  rebels  were  killed  and  a  number 
wounded.  3  of  the  Federals  were  killed, 
several  wounded. 

4.  Skirmish  at  Iluntersville,  W.  Va.  A 
portion  of  the  25th  Ohio,  2d  Va.,  and 
Bracken's  Ind.  cavalry,  all  under  Major 
Webster,  attacked  a  rebel  force  of  400 
cavalry  and  350  infantry  who  were  guard- 
ing the  rebel  supplies  at  that  depot.  Tiiey 
were  routed  with  a  loss  of  2  killed  and  7 
wounded,  leaving  §50,000  worth  of  army 
stores  which  were  destroyed  by  Unionists. 

5.  Skirmish  on  the  mainland  near  Port 
Royal,  S.  C.  7  rebels  were  capj^ured. 

5.  Rebel  army  under  Gen.  Jackson  bom- 
barded Hancock,  Md.  from  the  of)posite 
Va.  shore,^  but  were  driven  away  by  ar- 

'  tillery  forces  under  Gen.  Lander  without  a 
close  engagement, 

6.  Five  Federal  soldiers  were  killed  by 
rebels  in  ambush  in  Johnson  Co.,  Kansas. 

6.  4,000  Cherokee  Indians  were  driven 
from  their  homes  by  Texas  rebels. 

7.  Destruction  of  bridges  and  culverts 
on  the  Bait,  and  Ohio  railway,  near  the 
Caeapon  river,  by  rebel  Gen.  Jackson. 


.7.  Engagement  at  Blue's  Gap,  near  Rom- 
ne\-,  W.  Va.  Federal  troops  under  Col. 
Dunning,  of  the  5th  Ohio,  attacked  2,000 
of  the  enemy,  routing  them  with  the  loss 
of  15  killed,  20  prisoners,  2  pieces  of  can- 
non, their  wagons,  4c.  No  Federal  loss. 

7.  300  of  the  32d  Ohio,  under  Capt. 
Lacey,  were  sent  by  Gen.  Milroy  into  Tuck- 
er Co.,  Va.,  where  they  dispersed  400 
rebels,  capturing  2  officers  and  a  private, 
and  a  large  quantity  of  stores.  4  rebels 
were  found  dead  and  many  were  wounded. 

7.  Three  brigades  of  Gen.  Smith's  divi- 
sion, S.  side  of  the  Potomac,  proceeded  to- 
ward Peacock  Hill,  Lewinsville,  Fairfax 
Court  House  and  Vienna,  and  captured  an 
immense  quantity  of  hay,  oats,  corn.  tkc. 

7.  A  baud  of  rebels  having  seized  a  quan- 
tity of  army  stores  from  the  depot  at  Sut- 
ton, Braxton  Co.,  W.  Va.,  information  was 
sentto  Col.  H.  Anisansel,  commanding  1st 
Virginia  Cavalry,  at  Clarksburg.  The  Col. 
overlook  the  rebels  30' miles  E.  of  Sutton, 
and,  attacking  them,  killed  or  wounded  22, 
took  15  horses  and  56  iieadof  cattle,  and  re- 
captured the  greater  part  of  the  stores. 

7.  Skirmish  at  Paintsville.  near  Preston- 
burg,  Ky.  Col.  Garfield  dispersed  2,500 
rebels  under  Humphrey  Marshall,  killing?, 
wounding  a  large  number,  and  capturing 
15.     Federal  loss  2  killed  and  1  wounded. 

8.  The  newspapers  of  .MisHUii-l  were  put 
under  military  censorship,  and  their  editors 
ordered  to  send  two  copies  of  each  issue  to 
the  Provost  Marshal. 

8.  Riotat  Warsaw,  Mo.  Two  secessionists 
were  shot. 

8.  Reconnoissance  of  gunboats  towards 
Savannah,  Ga.,  under  command  of  Capt 
Davis. 

8.  Capt.  Latham  and  17  men  of  2d  Vir- 
ginia regiment,  encountered  about  30  rebel 
guerrillas  on  the  Dry  Fork  of  Cheat  river, 
W.  Va.,  and  after  a  severe  fight  of  an  hour's 
duration,  the  rebels  were  driven  from  the 
field  with  the  loss  of  6  killed  and  several 
wounded.  Federal  loss  0  wounded.  Capt 
Latham  destroyed  the  rebel  tents  and  pro- 
visions. 

8.  The  1st  Kansas  regiment,  on  its  march 
from  Sedalia  to  Lexington,  Mo.,  was  fired 
upon  from  ambush,  and  a  sergeant  and  2 
horses  killed. 

8.  A.  W.  Bradford  was  inaugurated  as 
Governor  of  Maryland,  and  made  an  elo- 
quent address,  expressing  in  the  strongest 
terms  devotion  to  the  Union  and  the  Con- 
stitution. 

8.  Major  W.  M.  G.  Torrence  of  the  1st 
Iowa  cavalr}',  assisted  by  detachments  of 
the  1st  Missouri  cavalry.  Major  Hubbard, 
4th  Ohio  and  Merrill's  Horse,  in  all  600 


Jan.  18G2. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


489 


mounted  men,  attacked  a  rebel  camp  at 
Silver  Creek,  Howard  Co.,  Mo.,  where  six 
or  eiglit  hundred  men  were  stationed,  un- 
der Col.  Poindexter.  The  eneinj'  were 
routed  with  a  loss  of  12  killed,  22  wounded, 
aiwl  15  prisoners,  leaving  their  horses,  guns, 
and  camp  and  garrison  equipage.  Tlie  ma- 
terial was  destroyed  by  Major  Torrence. 
Federal  loss  3  killed  and  10  wounded. 

9.  A  division  of  the  Chamber  of  Com- 
merce at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  was  occasioned  by 
disloyal  sentiments.  A  new  and  loyal 
Chamber  was  formed. 

10.  A  reconnoitering  force  of  5,000  men 
under  the  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  McCler- 
rand,  left  Cairo.  111.,  and  proceeded  toward 
Columbus  and  Miiyfield. 

10.  Waldo  P.  Johnson  and  Trusten  Polk. 
U.  S.  Senators  from  Missouri,  were  expelled 
from  the  Senate  for  disloyalty. 

10.  Skirmish  at  Pohick  Church;  Va.  Tlie 
5th  Michigan  dispersed  a  body  of  rebels. 

10.  Skirmish  at  Bath,  Va.,  between  a 
detachment  of  Federals  under  Capt.  Rus- 
Bell  and  rebels  from  Gen.  Jackson's  division. 

10.  Battle  near  Prestonburg,  Ky.  Gen. 
Garfield,  with  1,500  Federal  troops,  over- 
took Humphrey  Marshall  with  3,000  rebels, 
compelling  him  to  destroy  his  stores  and 
putting  him  to  flight.  Rebel  loss  50  killed 
many  wounded  and  25  prisoners.  Federal 
loss,  2  killed,  25  wounded. 

11.  The  1st  Kansas  regiment  arrived  at 
Lexington,  Mo.,  and  arrested  several  prom- 
inent rebels.  They  also  seized  a  large 
quantity  of  stores  designed  for  the  use  of 
Gen.  Price, 

11.  Fifty  rebels  belonging  to  Col.  Alex- 
ander's regiment  were  captured  6  miles 
from  Sedalia,  Mo. 

12.  The  Burnside  Expedition  sailed  from 
Fortress  Monroe,  under  command  of  Com. 
Goldsborough  and  Gen.  Burnside,  for  Al- 

•    bemarle  Sound,  N.  C. 

12.  Secretary  Seward  telegraphed  the 
British  Consul  aC  Portland,  Me.,  that  British 
trooi«  might  pass  through  U.  S.  territory 
on  their  way  to  Canada. 

12.  The  rebels  in  Kentucky  burned  the 
houses,  and  carried  off  or  destroyed  the 
property  of  loyal  men  at  Horse  Cave  and 
m  Cave  City  and  vicinity,  and  the  people 
Bought  refuge  at  Munfordsville. 

13.  Hon.  Simeon  Cameron,  Secretary-of- 
War,  resigned  his  position,  and  Edwin  F. 
Stanton  was  appointed  in  bis  stead  on  the 
15th  inst. 

13.  The  steamship  Constitution,  with  the 
Maine  12th  regiment,  and  the  Bay  State 
regiment,  sailed  from  Boston  for  Ship  Is- 
land, Miss.,  via.  Fortress  Monroe. 

15.  Gen.  McClernand's  column  advanced 


to  Mayfield,  Kj'.,  and  Gen.  Grant  to  Fort 
Jefferson.  20,000  rt- liels  reported  at  Colum- 
bus, Kv.,  under  Gen.  Polk. 

It).  Hon.  Edwin  B.  Stanton,  the  new 
Sccrctary-of-War,  assimied  the  duties  of 
his  office. 

17.  150  wounded  Federal  prisoners  ar- 
rived at  Fortress  Monroe  from  Richmond, 
Va.  Eight  rebel  oflicers  were  released 
from  the  P'ortress  the  snme  day. 

17.  Capture  of  British  schooner  Stephen 
Hart,  loaded  with  arms,  ammunition  and 
stores  for  the  rebels,  by  the  U.  S.  storeship 
Supply. 

l7.  Ex  President  John  Tyler  died  at 
Richmond  Va. 

17.  Skirmish  near  Ironton,  Mo.  Rebels 
under  JefF.  Thompson  were  defeated  by  Col. 
Miles. 

17.  Two  companies  of  the  1st  Kansas 
cavalry,  under  Major  Ilalderman,  arrested 
Capt.  Whitney,  Joe  Shelby  and  ^everal 
other  rebel  officers,  and  also  recovered  a 
number  of  horses,  mules,  wagons,  etc.,  taken 
from  Col.  Mulligan's  command  at  Lexing- 
ton, Mo. 

17.  The  Fortification  Bill  passed  the  U. 
S.  House  of  Representatives,  appropriating 
$5,960,000  for  fort  and  harbor  defences. 

18.  Gen.  Grant  made  a  reconnoissance  in 
force  towards  Columbus,  Ky. 

18.  Gen.  Halleck  levied  an  assessment 
on  the  wealthy  secessionists  of  St.  Louis, 
Mo.,  to  provide  for  the  wants  of  loj-al  re- 
fugees in  the  city  who  had  been  driven  from 
their  homes  in  the  S.  W.  section  of  the 
State  by  rebels. 

18.  Capts.  Murdock  and  Webster^with 
their  commands,  returned  to  Cairo  from  an 
expedition  to  Bloomfield,  Mo.  They  cap- 
turned  Lieut.  Col.  Farmer  and  1 1  other  rebel 
officers  and  68  privates,  with  a  quantity  of 
army  stores. 

19.  Battle  of  Mill  Spring,  Ky.  The  re- 
bels completely  routed,  with  loss  of  192 
killed,  and  140  prisoners.  Gen.  Zollicoffer, 
their  commander,  was  killed.  The  Federal 
troops  were  under  Gen.  Thomas.  1,200 
horses  and  mules,  over  100  large  wagons, 
and  14  cannon,  2,000  muskets,  etc.,  were 
captured.  Federal  loss  89  killed,  207 
wounded. 

19.  The  U.  S.  gunboat  Itasca  captured 
the  rebel  schooner  Lizzie  Weston,  off  Flori- 
da, laden  with  293  bales  of  cotton,  162,600 
pounds,  for  Jamaica. 

23,  "The  property  of  several  wealthy  se- 
cessionists at  St.  Louis  was  seized  under 
execution  by  Gen.  Halleck,  and  sold  to  pay 
the  assessment  to  support  Union  refugees. 

23.  The  second  stone  fleet  was  sunk  in 
Maffit's  Channel,  Charleston,  S.  C,  harbor 


490 


THB   WAR   FOK   THE   UNION. 


Feb. )8G3. 


Jan.  24.  The  Federal  light  boat  off  Cape 
Ilenry,  at  the  mouth  of  tl»e  Chesapeake, 
went  ashore  and  was  captured  by  the  rebels, 
with  its  crew  of  7  men. 

24.  Two  rebel  vessels  laden  with  cotton, 
while  attemptinij  to  pass  the  blockade  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  run  a<jround,  were 
deserted  and  burned.  The  fire  was  extin- 
guisiied  on  board  the  Calhoun  and  that  ves- 
sel captured. 

26.  The  Burnside  Expedition  reached 
Pamlico  Sound. 

2rt.  A  military  Commission  a^  Palmyra, 
Mo.,  sentenced  7  bridj^eburners  to  be  shot. 

28.  Federal  troops  occupied  Lebanon,  Mo. 

28.  ilev.  Bishop  Ames  and  II  m.  Ilamil- 
ton  Fisli,  of  N.  Y.,  were  appoints  by  Sec- 
retary-of-War  Stanton  to  visit  the  U.  8. 
prisoners  in  captivity  at  Richmond,  Va.,  to 
devise  means  for  providing  for  their  com- 
fort. The  Commiss  onej*s  were  not  allowed 
to  visit  Richmond,  but  they  opened  nego- 
tiations for  the  exchange  of  prisoners. 

28.  Skirmish  between  50  men  of  the  37th 
N.  Y.  regiment  under  Lieut.-Col.  Burke, 
and  a  body  of  Texas  rangers  near  Colches- 
ter, 0(1  the  Occoquan  river,  Va,  in  which  9 
rebels  were  killed.  Two  Federals  were 
killed,  and  2  wounded. 

29.  The  iron  clad  battery  Monitor  was 
launched  at  Greenpoint,  N.  Y. 

29.  Reconnoissance  on  either  side  of  the 
Savannah  river  from  the  Federal  fleet  at 
Port  Royal,  through  the  Wilmington  Nar- 
rows and  Wall's  Cut,  by  which  the  feasi- 
bility of  cutting  off  Fort  Pulaski  from  com- 
munication with  Savannah  was  demon- 
strated. 

3i).  Gen.  Beauregard  took  command  of 
rebel  troops  in  Tennessee. 

30.  The  rebel  commissioners,  Mason  and 
Slidell,  arrived  at  Southampton,  England. 

30.  Rebels  unr'er  Capt.  John  Morgan, 
seized  six  Union  men  at  a  churcii  near  Le- 
banon, Ky.  They  set  tire  to  the  cliurch, 
and  attempted  to  burn  one  of  the  prison- 
ers in  the  flames,  who  effected  his  escape. 

31.  An  order  from  the  Secretary-of  State 
released  all  civilians  who  were  captured  on 
board  vessels  attempting  to  violate  the 
blockade. 

81.  Five  telegraph  operators  were  cap- 
tured by  the  rebels  neaf  Campbellsville,  Ky. 

31.  Queen  Victoria  declared  her  deter, 
mination  to  observe  strict  neutrality  during 
the  American  contest,  and  to  prevent  the 
use  of  English  vessels  and  harbors  to  aid 
the  belligerents. 

Feb.  1.  The  2d  Cavalry,  41st  Indiana, 
had  a  skirmisli  near  Bowling  Green,  Ky., 
In  which  3  rebels  were  killed  and  2  wound- 
Ad.    No  loss  on  the  Federal  aide. 


1.  The  Spanish  steamer  Ducro  arrived 
at  Liveipool,  England,  from  Cadiz,  bring- 
ing aa  passengerii  Captain?  Miiiott,  of  the 
Vigilant ;  Smith  of  the  Arcade,  and  Ilosie, 
of  the  Eben  Dodge — three  American  ves- 
sels which  had  been  burned  by  the  priva- 
teer Sumter. 

1.  An  octavo  volume  of  1,100  piiges  was 
published  as  a  report  by  a  Committee  from 
the  U.  S.  Iluuse  of  Representatives,  ap- 
pointed Jul}',  1861,  to  investigate  frauds 
in  Governni«ut  contracts. 

1.  The  President  of  the  U.  S.  was  em- 
powered by  act  of  Congress  to  take  pos- 
session of  all  the  railway  and  tehgrapliio 
lines  throughout  the  country,  whenever  re- 
quisite for  military  purposes,  till  the  close 
of  the  rebellion. 

1.  An  interesting  conference  was  held  by 
U.  S.  Commissioner  Dole  with  the  loyal 
chiefs  of  the  Seminole,  Creek,  Iowa,  and 
Delaware  Indians,  in  whiuh  the  warriors 
pledged  themselves  to  conquer  the  rebel 
Indians  who  had  driven  them  from  their 
homes. 

2.  A  skirmish  occurred  in  Morgan  coun- 
ty, Penn.,  between  a  body  of  rebel  cavalry, 
under  Lieut.-Col.  White,  aud  a  company 
of  Federal  infantry,  under  Captain  Dun- 
can, in  which  the  Federals  were  defeated, 
with  a  loss  of  seven  men. 

2.  386  rank  and  file  and  11  officers,  rebel 
prisoners,  were  sent  to  Fortress  Monroe, 
from  Boston  harbor,  to  be  exchanged  for 
an  equal  number  of  Federal  prisoners. 

3.  The  privateersmen  confined  in  the 
City  Prison,  N.  Y.,  were  transferred  to  Fort 
Lafayette,  and  there  held  as  political  pris- 
oners. 

3.  In  conformity  with  the  decision  of 
the  British  Ministry,  the  privateer  Nash- 
ville was  sent  off  from  Southampton,  Eng- 
land, and  the  U.  S.  gunboat  Tuscarora  de- 
tained from  pursuing  her  for  the  space  of 
24  hours. 

3.  A  flag  of  truce  from  the  rebels  to 
Gen.  McDowell,  brought  a  document  from 
Jeff.  Davis  to  President  Lincoln,  threaten- 
ing to  hang  Cols,  Corcoran,  Lee,  and  others, 
prisoners  in  their  hands,  in  retaliation, 
should  the  punishment  of  death  be  inflict- 
ed on  the  bridge  burners  who  had  been 
convicted  in  Missouri 

3.  The  Federal  army  under  Gen.  Grant 
were  within  3  miles  of  Fort  Henry,  on  the 
Tennessee  river. 

4.  Capt  Lowing,  with  80  men  from  Cos. 
F  and  U,  Third  Michigan,  encountered  a 
body  of  rebels  near  Occoquan,  Va.,  whom 
they  dispersed.  4  of  the  rebels  were  shot. 
No  loss  sustained  by  the  Federals. 

4.  A  scouting  party  under  Capt  Ilark- 


Feb. 18G3. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


401 


besf,  of  Col.  Miles'  Slst  Pa.  regiment,  re- 
turned from  ihe  vicinity  of  Fairfax  Court 
House,  Va.,  bringing  several  rebel  prison- 
ers. 

4.  Steamship  Constitution,  with  the  Mass. 
Bay  State,  and  the  Maine  12th  regiments, 
and  other  troops,  under  Gen.  Phelps,  left 
Fortress  Monroe  for  Ship  Island,  Miss. 

6.  Attack  on  Fort  Henry,  Tenn.  com- 
menced by  Federal  gunboats  under  Com. 
Foole.  ^ 

6.  Queen  Victoria,  of  England,  removed 
the  prohibitions  relating  to  the  export  of 
material  of  war  from  the  British  domin- 
ions declared  on  the  30th  Nov.  and  4th 
Dec,  1861. 

6.  Jesse  D.  Bright,  of  Indiana,  was  ex- 
pelled from  the  U.  S.  Senate,  for  complici^ 
with  treason. 

7.  A  band  of  rebels  concealed  near  tlie 
landing  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Va.,  having,  by 
means  of  a  flag  of  truce,  decoyed  a  boat 
from  the  Maryland  shore,  and  then  fired 
on  its  occupants,  by  order  of  Col.  Geary, 
the  block  of  large  buildings  facing  tlie 
landing  were  burned.  But  seven  families, 
40  persons  in  all,  then  resided  in  the  town. 

1.  Unconditional  surrender  of  Fort  Hen- 
ry to  Com.  Foote,  with  Gen.  Tilghman  and 
staff,  one  colonel,  two  captains,  and  80  pri- 
vates. Com.  Foote  transferred  the  fort  to 
Gen.  Grant 

7,  Federal  troops  took  possession  of  the 
Memphis  and  Ohio  railway. 

7.  The  rebels  driven  from  Romney,  Va., 
by  Gen.  Lander,  who  occupied  the  town. 

7.  Successful  skirmish  with  rebel  cavalry 
near  F^rfax  Court  House,  Va.,  by  Col. 
Friedman,  with  the  Cameron  Dragoons;  1 
rebel  killed,  and  12  captured,  with  12 
horses,  <fec.     2  Federals  wounded. 

8.  Portions  of  Gen.  Butler's  expedition 
sailed  from  Boston  and  from  Fortress  Mon- 
roe, for  Ship  Island,  Miss. 

8.  Capture  of  rebel  forts  and  garrisons 
on  Roanoke  Island.  N.  C,  by  the  Federal 
forces  under  Com.  Goldsborough  and  Gen. 
Burnside.  2.500  prisoners,  6  forts,  40  guns, 
3,000  small  arms.  Federal  loss,  50  killed, 
150  wounded.- 

8.  Capt.  Smith,  of  theSth  Virginia  (loyal) 
with  21  men,  surprised  32  of  Jenkins'  ca- 
valry on  Linn  Creek,  Logan  County,  Va., 
killing  8,  wounding  7,  and  capturing  the 
remainder,  witli  32  horses.  One  Federal 
was  killed  and  1  wounded. 

9.  Skirmish  of  a  body  of  Federal  cavalry 
with  rebels  near  Fort  Henry,  Tenn.  5 
rebels  killed,  and  30  taken  prisoners. 

9.  Edenton,  N.  C,  occupied  by  Federal 
troops. 

10.  Destruction  of  rebel  gunboats  in  the 


Pasquotank  river,  N.  C,  also  of  the  rebel 
battery  at  Cobb's  Point,  and  the  occupa- 
tion of  Eliza  betli  City  by  Federal  forces 
from  14  gunboats,  commanded  by  Capt. 
Rowan. 

10.  Gen.  Charles  P.  Stone,  U.S.A.,  was 
arrested  by  Gov't,  order,  and  imprisoned  ia 
I'ort  Lafayfette. 

10.  Arrest  of  several  male  and  female 
secessionists  in  Washington.  Also,  of  Dr. 
Ives,  N.  Y.  Herald  corVespondent. 

10.  Capt.  Phelps,  of  Com.  Foote's  squad- 
ron, commanding  the  gunboats  Conestoga, 
Taylor  and  Lexington,  captured  a  new  re- 
bel gunboat,  and  destroyed  all  the  rebel 
craft  between  Fort  Henry  and  Florence, 
Ala. 

11.  Bursting  of  the  "Sawyer"  gun  at 
Newport  News,  Va.,  by  which  2  Federal 
soldiers  were  killed  and  2  wounded. 

12.  An  expe4ition  under  the  command 
of  Col,  Reggin  returned  to  Fort  Henry, 
Tenn.,  from  up  the  Tennessee  river,  hav- 
ing captured  $75,000  worth  of  contraband 
goods  at.  Paris,  Tenn.,  and  also  the  tents 
and  camp  equipage  of  the  rebel  troops  that 
retreated  from  Fort  Henry. 

13.  Evacuation  of  Springfield,  Mo.,  by 
the  rebel  army  under  Gen.  Price.  Occu- 
pation of  the  town  by  Federal  troops  of 
Gen.  Curtis'  army.  600  of  the  rebel  sick, 
and  many  forage  wagons  were  left  behind. 

14.  The  rebel  camp  at  Blooming  Gap,Va., 
was  surprised  by  forces  under  Gen.  Lan- 
der. 65  prisoners  were  taken,  including 
17  officers,  and  13  killed  and  20  wounded. 
Federal  loss,  7  in  killed  and  wounded. 

14.  Fort  Donelson  was  invested  and  at- 
tacked by  the  Federal  army  under  Gen. 
Grant. 

14.  E,  M.  Stanton,  Sec.-of-War,  issued 
an  order  releasing  all  political  prisoners 
upon  their  taking  an  oath  of  allegiance. 

14.  A  skirmish  took  placenear  Flat  Lick 
Ford,  on  the  Cumberland  river,  Ky.,  be- 
tween two  companies  of  cavalry,,  under 
Col.  Munday,  two  companies  of  the  49th 
Indiana,  and  some  rebel  pickets,  in  which 
the  latter  lost  4  killed,  4  wounded,  and  3 
taken  prisoners.  There  wa3  no  Federal 
loss. 

14.  Com.  Foote,  with  6  gunboats,  at- 
tacked Fort  Donelson,  but  was  repulsed, 
the  Commodore  bi-ing  severely  wounded. 
Federal  loss  60  in  killed  and  wounded, 

14.  The  rear  guard  of  Gen.  Price's  army 
in  S.  W.  Missouri  was  attacked  by  Gen. 
Curtis'  command,  and  many  prisoners  taken. 

14.  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  was  evacuated 
by  rebel  troops,  who  destroyed  most  of  the 
available  property  in  the  town  that  could 
not  be  removed. 


492 


THE   WAR  FOR  THE   UNION". 


Feb. 18G2. 


Feb.  14.  Throe  rebel  schooners  and  one 
sloop,  hidi'ti  witli  rice,  were  destroyed  by 
the  crews  of  armed  boats  from  tlie  U.  S. 
bark  Restless,  Lieut  E.  Conruy,  id  Bull's 
Bay.S.  C. 

16.  Tlie  national  bnttenes  at  Venus  Point, 
,on  the  Savannaii  river,  were  attacked  by 
4  rebel  gunboats,  which  were  repubed,  one 
of  them  beinsj  severely  injured. 

15.  Tiie  railway  bridge  crossing  tli« Ten- 
nessee river  at  Decatur,  Ala.,  was  destroyed 
by  Union  men. 

15.  Gen.  Burnside  administered  the  oath 
of  allegiance  to  tlie  inhabitants  of  Roanoke 
Island. 

15.  The  iron-clad  steam  gunboat  Galena 
•was  launched  at  Mystic,  Conn. 

16.  Gen.  Price  was  driven  from  Missouri 
by  Gen.  Curtis,  who  followed  him  into  Ar- 
kansas, capturing  many  prisoners. 

16.  6en.  Mitchell's  troops  occupied 
Bowling-Green,  Ky. 

16.  Fort  Donelson  surrendered  to  the  Fe- 
deral army,  under  Gen.  Grant,  after  three 
days'  desperate  resistance.  15,000  prison- 
ers were  captured,  including  Brig.-Gen. 
Buckner,  and  an  immense  quantity  of  war 
material.  Gens.  Floyd  and  Pillow  escaped, 
■Willi  a  portion  of  the  garrison. 

16.  Destruction  of  the  "Tennessee  Iron 
■works,"  owned  by  John  Bell  and  Messrs. 
Lewis  <fe  Wood,  on  the  Cumberland  river, 
six  miles   above  Dover,  by  order  of  Com. 

•    Foote. 

17.  The  First  Missouri  cavalry  fell  into 
an  ambush  of  rebels  at  Sugar  Creek,  Ark., 
by  which  18  of  their  number  were  killed 
and  wounded. 

18.  Gov.  Rector  of  Arkansas,  by  procla- 
mation, called  every  man  subject  to  military 
duty  into  service  within  20  days. 

18.  First  session  of  the  Congress  of  the 
"  permanent"  Government, of  the  Confed- 
erate States  opened  at  Richmond,  Va. 

18.  The  wire  and  suspension  bridges 
over  the  Cumberland  river  at  Nashville, 
Tcnn.,  were  destroj-ed  by  Gen.  Floyd,  de- 
spite the  remonstrances  of  the  citizens. 

18.  A  skirmish  at  Independence,  Mo.,  be- 
§         tween  a  detachment  of  Ohio  cavalry  and  a 

band  of  rebels  under  Quantrel  and  Parker. 
8  rebels  killed,  several  woutided  and  taken 
prisoners.     1  Federal   killed,  8  wounded. 

19.  1,000  additional  rebel  prisoners  were 
taken  at  Fort  Donelson,  they  having  come 
down  the  river  to  reinforce  Gen.  Buckner. 

19.  Evacuation  of  Clarksville,  Tenn.,  by 
the  rebels.  The  Federal  forces,  under  Com. 
Foote,  took  possession  of  the  to'wn,  and 
captured  a  large  quantity  of  army  stores. 

19.  Benton ville.  Ark.,  was  captured  by 
Gen.  CuctiB,  after  a  short  engagement  'with 


the  rebels,  in  which  more  prisoners  and 
supplies  were  taken. 

20.  The  rebel  stenmer  Magnolia,  with 
1,050  bales  of  cotton,  was  captured  in  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico,  by  the  U.  S.  steamers 
Brooklyn  and  South  Carolina.  An  attempt  • 
to  fire  the  vessel  was  frustrated  by  the  Fed- 
eral seamen. 

20.  The  town  of  Winton,  N.  C,  was  par- 
tially burned  by  the  national  forces. 

20.  Tiie  track  of  tfie  Mempiiis  and  Ohio 
railway  was  torn  up,  and  the  bridges 
burned  in  many  places,  by  order  of  rebel 
Gen,  Polk. 

21.  Battle   of  Valvende,  N.  .M.      1,600 
Federals,  under  Col.  Canbj-,  were  defeated, 
by  an  equal   force  of   rebels,  under  Col, 
Steele.     Federal  loss,  55  killed,  140  wound- 
ed.    Rebel  loss,  about  the  same. 

22.  Inauguration  of  Jefferson  Davis,  of 
Miss.,  as  President  of  the  "  Confederate 
States,"  at  Richmond,  Va.,  and  Alex.  H. 
Stevens,  of  Ga.,  as  Vice-President,  they 
having  received  the  nnanimous  vote  of 
109  delegates  representing  11  States,  viz. : 
Ala.,  Ark.,  Fia.,  Ga.,  La.,  Miss.,  N.  C,  S.  C, 
Tenn.,  Texas,  Va.,  for  the  permanent  or- 
ganization of  the  Confederate  States. 

22.  The  U.  S.  8loo])-of  war  Adironac  waa 
launched  at  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

23.  347  released  Federal  prisoners  ar- 
rived at  Fortress  Monroe,  among  them 
Cols.  Lee,  Wood  and  Cogswell. 

28.  Lieut^  Guin,  of  Com.  Foofe's  com- 
mand, made  a  reconnoissance  up  the  Tenn. 
river  as  high  as  East  port.  Miss.,  being  well 
received  b}'  the  inhabitants.  At  Clifton, 
Tenn.,  he  took  possession  of  1500  sacks  and 
barrels  of  flour  and  6,000  bush,  of  wheat. 

23.  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  occupied  by  Gen. 
Buell's  forces. 

23.  A  skirmish  at  Mason's  Neck,  near 
Occoqunn,  Va.,  between  Texas  rangers, 
and  part  of  the  N.  Y.  37th,  in  which  2  of 
the  latter  were    killed    and    1  wounded. 

24.  Harpers'  Ferry,  Va.,  occupied  by  the 
28tli  Pa.  regiment. 

25.  Nashville,  Tenn.,  was  occupied  by 
Federal  forces  of  Gen.  Buell's  command. 

25.  The  9th  Ohio  and  2d  Minnesota  re- 
giments received  handsome  flags  from 
ladies  of  Louisville,  K\'.,  in  comi>liment  of 
their  valor  at  Mill  Spring,  Jan.  19. 

25.  The  remainder  of  Gen.  Bank's  divi- 
sion crossed  the  Potomac  and  occupied 
Bolivar  and  Charlestown,  Va. 

25.  All  the  telegraphic  lines  that  could 
be  used  by  government  were  taken  under 
military  control,  and  the  transmission  of 
reports  of  military  operations  forbidden, 
without  permijsion  of  the  militarj-  censor. 

26.  Cotton  and  tobacco  planters  of  Va., 


Feb.  I8C2. 


CHEOXOLOGY. 


4d3 


lit  a  meeting  lielii  at,  Richmond,  refused  to 
eonseiir,  to  the  detitniction  of  tlieir  crops. 

26.  The  command  of  Cnpt.  Montgomery, 
•was  friirprised  by  a  large  force  of  rel)elsat 
Keilt^'ville,  Barry  Co.,  Wo.  2  Federals 
were  killed,  1  wounded,  and  40  of  their 
horses  c.-iptured. 

26.  The  U.  S.  gunhoat  R.  B.  Forbes  ran 
ashore  in-ar  Nag's  Head,  I^.  C,  was  set  on 
fire  and  destroyed. 

27.  Fayelteville,  Ark.,  was  occupied  by 
Gen.  Curtis,  who  captured  a  number  of 
prisoners,  stores,  «fec.  Tlie  rebels  retreat- 
ed across  th«  Boston  Mountains. 

27.  42  Federal  soldiers  were  poisoned  at 
Mud  Town,  Ark.,  by  eating  food  which  had 
been  left  for  them  by  rebels. 

27.  Col.  Wood's  cavalry  drove  rebels 
out  of  Dent,  Texas  and  llowell  Cos.,  Mo., 
ca|)tiiring  60  prisoners. 

27.  U.  S.  iron  clad  battery  Monitor, 
Lieut.  Worden,  sailed  from  N.  York  for 
Fortress  Monroe. 

28.  The  British  ship  Labuan,  with  a  val- 
uable cargo,  arrived  at  N.  York,  captured 
by  the  U.  S.  sloop-of-war  Portsmouth  off 
Rio  Grande  river. 

28.  The  rebel  steamer  Nashville  ran  the 
blockade  of  Beaufort,  N.  C,  and  reached 
the  town. 

28.  Capt  Nolen  with  64  of  the  ^tli  111. 
cavalry  attacked  90  of  Jeff.  Thompson's 
cavalry  and  a  battery,  west  of  Charles- 
town,  Mo.,  and  captured  4  guns,  losing  1 
man. 

March  1.  The  U.  S.  gunboats  Tyler, 
Lieut.  Gwin,  commanding,  and  Lexington, 
Lieut.  Shirk,  on  an  expedition  up  the  Tenn. 
river,  engaged  and  silenced  a  rebel  bat- 
tery at  Pittsburg,  Tenn.,  7  miles  above 
Savannah. 

1.  Evacuation  of  Columbus  Ky.,  by 
rebel  troops,  leaving  their  heavy  guns, 
and  a  large  quantity  of  war  material.  400 
of  the  2d  Illinois  cavalry  occupied  the 
town  next  day,  and  troops  from  Com. 
Foot e's  flotilla  tiie  day  after. 

1.  U.  S.  steamer  Mount  Vernon,  cap- 
tured the  schooner  British  Queen,  at  the 
blockade  of  Wilmington,  N.  C. 

1.  John  Minor  Botts,  Valentine  Hecker, 
Franklin  Stearns,  and  others  were  arrested 
at  Richmond  Va.,  on  a  charge  of  "treason." 

2.  Death  of  Brig.  -  Gen.  Lander,  at 
Catnp  Chase,  on  the  Upper  Potomac,  from 
a  wound  received  at  Edwards'  Ferry  Va., 
Oct  22.  1861. 

3.  Brig.-Gens.  S.  B.  Buckner  and  Lloyd 
Tilghmaii,  rebel  prisoners,  arrived  at  Fort 
Warren,  Boston,  Mass, 

3.  U.S.Senate  confirmed  Gens.  McDowell, 
Buell  Burnaide,  McClernaud,  C.  F.  Smith, 


I  Lew.  Wallace  andSigelasMaj.-Gens. ;  and 

I  Cols.  Speed,  of  Tenn.,  Logan  of  11 L,  McAr- 

thur  of  lowii,  Launian  of  Iowa,  Wallace  of 

Ind.,  McCi>ok  of  Ohio,  Berry  of  Maine,  and 

Terry  of  Conn.,  as  Brigadiers. 

4.  Occupation  of  Fort  Clinch  and  Fer 
nandina,  Fla.,  and  St.  Mary's  and  Bruns 
wick,  Ga.,  by  Federal  forces  under  Com. 
Dupont  and  Gen.  Wright. 

4.  A  squadron  of  1st  Michigan  cavalry 
surprised  and  defeated  a  party  of  rebel 
cavalry  at  Berry ville,  Va.,  killing  3  and 
capturing  9  horses  without  loss. 

4.  Two  bridges  on  the  Nashville  and  De- 
catur railway,  Tenn.,  destroyed  by  rebels. 

5.  Bunker  Hill,  Va.,  was  occupied  by 
rebel  forces. 

6.  Two  rebel  officers  were  captured  at 
Vienna,  Va.,  by  a  detachment  of  CoL 
Averill's  cavalry. 

6  A  rebel  picket  of  5  was  captured  by 
Van  Alen's  cavalry  near  Bunker  Hill,  Va. 

7.  Capt.  Cole's  Maryland  cavalrj-  en- 
countered a  few  of  Ashby's  rebel  caval- 
ry, near  Winchester,  Va.,  6  rebels  were 
killed  and  5  wounded.  Capt.  Cole  had  3 
men  wounded. 

6,  7,  8.  Battle  of  Pea  Ridge,  Ark. 
The  combined  rebel  forces  under  Gens. 
Van  Dorn,  Price,  McCulloeh  and  Pike, 
were  defeated  by  the  I'ederal  army  under 
Gens.  Curtis,  Sigel,  Asboth  and  Davis. 
Federal  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and  miss- 
ing, 1351.  The  rebel  loss  about  2iX)0. 
Gens.  McCulloch,  Mcintosh  and  Slack, 
were  killed. 

8.  Destruction  of  the  U.  S.  sloop-of-war 
Cumberland,  and  the  fi'igate  Congress,  in 
action  with  the  rebel  iron  battery  Merri- 
mac,  in  Hampton  Roads,  Va.  100  men 
were  killed  or  ilrowned  on  the  Cumberland.* 

8.  By  order  of  the  President,  Maj.-Gen. 
McClellan  was  directed  to  organize  and 
command  the  army  of  the  Potomac,  divi- 
ded into  5  army  corps,  under  Maj.Gens. 
McDowell,  Brig.-Gens.  E.  V.  Sumner.  S.  P. 
Heintzelman,  E.  L.  Keyes  and  N.  P. 
Banks. 

8.  Col.  Geary  entered  Leesburg,  Va., 
capturing  many  prisoners,  stores,  «fec. 

8.  Manassas,  Va.,  was  evacuated  by  the 
rebels. 

9.  Combat  of  the  U.  S.  iron  battery  Mon- 
itor, and  the  rebel  iron  battery  Merrimac, 
in  Hampton  Roads,  Va.  After  a  desperate 
combat  of  3  hours,  the  ilerrimac  was  com- 
pelled to  retire,  having  received  severe  in- 
juries. 

9.  The  rebel  battery  at  Cockpit  Pgint, 
on  the  Potomac  captured  by  Federal  troops. 

9.  Brilliant  charge  of  14  of  the  Lincoln 
cavalry   at   Burk's  station,    near  laiifox 


494 


THE  WAR   FOB  THB   UNION. 


March,  1862. 


Court  House,  Va.,  against  100  infantry,  3 
of  whom  Were  killed,  5  wounded  and  11 
captured.     Lieut.  Hidden  was  killed. 

March  10.  Lieut,  ().  Houston  and  8 
men  ui  2J  Ohio  buttery  was  captuied  in 
S.  \V.  Mo.  by  Te.xas  rangers. 

li>.  Centreville,  Va.,  was  occupied  by 
nationiil  forces,  the  bridges,  railway  track, 
depot,  «tc.  having  been  destroyed  by  rebels. 

1 1.  Gen.  Pope's  troops  occupied  Point 
Pleasant,  Mo.,  «  miles  below  New  Madrid. 

11.  Berryville,  Va.,  was  occupied  by 
Gen.  Gorman,  of  Gen.  Bank's  division. 

11.  The  country  intervening  between 
the  Dipiirtinent  of  the  Potonmc  and  that 
of  tile  Miss\ssi()pi,  was  organized  as  the 
"Mountain  Department,"  aud  asiigned  to 
Gen.  Fremont. 

11,  The  "Department  of  the  Miss.,"  was 
organized  and  assigned  to  Gen.  ilalleck, 
•which  included  his  previous  department, 
and  that  of  Gen.  Hunter's  in  Kansiis;  also 
all  of  Gen.  Buell's  west  of  Kno.'iville,  Tetin. 

11.  Occupation  of  St.  Augustine,  Fla'., 
by  Federal  naval  forces  under  Com  Rogers. 

12.  Winchester;  Va.,  was  occupied  by 
national  troops,  who  captured  rebel  stores. 

12.  Curtis's  Iowa  cavalry  and  a  battalion 
of  the  1st  Nebraska,  defeated  600  rebels 
and  occupied  Paris,  Ky. 

12.  Occupation  of  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  by 
Federal  forces  from  the  U.  S.  gunboats  Ot- 
tawa, Seneca,  and  Pembina,  under  com- 
mand of  Lieut.  T.  F.  Stevens. 

13.  Brunswick,  Ga.,  was  occupied  by 
Federal  forces  under  Flag-officer  Dupont. 

14.  'i'lie  rebels  driven  from  New  Madrid, 
Mo.,  which  was  occupied  by  Gens.  Pope 
and  Hamilton's  forces,  who  captured  mili- 
tary stores  valued  at  $100,OuO.  Federal 
loss  during  the  siege  51  killed  and  wounded. 

14.  Battle  of  Newbern,  N.  C.  Gen. 
Burnside's  forces  attacked  and  carried  a 
continuous  line  of  redoubts  of  half  a  mile 
in  extent,  after  4  Lours'  engagement  The 
rebels  in  tiieir  retreat  set  fire  to  the  town, 
which  was  extinguished  by  the  Federals 
•with  slight  damage.  200  prisoners  and  6 
forts  were  tiken,  mounting  40  heavy  guns. 
Fedenil  loss,  39  killed,  150  wounded. 
Re>.ul  loss.  50  killed,  200  wounded. 

14.  A  detachment  of  Ohio  and  Indiana 
troops,  under  Ckd.  Garter  and  Lieut  CoL 
Keigwin,  from  their  camp  at  Cumberland 
Ford,  Ky.,  atUcked  300  rebels  on  tiie  Cum- 
berland Mountains,  and  defeated  them, 
killing  3,  wounding  6,  and  capturing  3 
officers  and  15  privates,  59  horses,  100 
guns,  100  sabre*  and  other  material. 
f  16.  The  Federal  gunboats  and  mortars, 

under  Com.  Foote,  began  the  investment 
and  assault  of  Island  No.  10,  on  the  Miss. 


16.  Two  rebel  captains  and  17  privates 
were  captured  on  Indian  Creek,  Arkansas. 

17.  Federal  forces  in  Va.,  under  Gen. 
Shields,  advanced  from  Winchester  and 
drove  the  enemy  toward  Strasburg. 

18.  The  rebel  fleet  on  the  Mississippi  at 
Island  No.  lit,  attacked  Com.  Foote's  flo- 
tilla, but  retired  after  slight  lo.ss  on  either 
side,  the  rebels  crippling  two  of  the  Federal 
gunboats  with  their  rams. 

2i».  67  citizens  of  Loudon  co.,  Va.,  were 
sent  to  Richmond  on  the  Central  cars,  and 
committed  to  one  of  the  military  prisons. 

21.  Santa  Fc,  N.  M.,  was  seized  by  100 
rebel  Texans,  under  Major  C.  L.  Pyron. 

21.  Washington,  N.  C,  occupied  by  Fed- 
eral troops  under  Col.  Stevenson. 

22.  Rebel  forces,  under  Gens.  Jackson, 
Smith  and  Longstreet,  advanced  upon  Win- 
chester, Va.,  where  Gen.  Shields'  forces  en- 
gaged them  successfully  until  night. 

22.  A  skirmish  occurred  between  a  de- 
tachment of  the  6th  Kansas  and  Quantroll's 
band,  near  Independence,  Mo.  The  latter 
was  routed  with  7  killed.  The  Federals 
lost  1  killed,  and  captured  1 1  prisoners  and 
2o  horses, 

22.  Lieut  T.  A.  Budd  and  Acting  Mas- 
ter Mather,  attached  to  Flag-officer  Du- 
pont's  squadron,  having  imprudently  ven- 
tured on  shore,  with  a  portion  of  their  men, 
to  examine  a  rebel  earthwork,  near  Mos- 
quito Inlet,  Fla.,  were  fired  upon  by  a  party 
of  rebels  in  ambush.  Both  officers  and  6 
men  were  killed,  and  several  wounded.      < 

23.  Morehead  City,  N.  C,  was  occupied 
by  Federal  troops  under  Gen.  Parke. 

■  23.  Battle  of  Winchester,  Va.  The  fight 
of  yesterday  was  renewed,  and  after  a  des- 
perate engagement,  the  rebels  were  driven 
from  the  ground  in  disorder,  with  a  loss  of 
600  killed  and  wounded,  and  3ijO  prisoners. 
Federal  loss,  100  killed,  40iJ  wounded. 

26.  Maj.  Pyron's  Texans  were  defeated 
at  Apache  Caaon,  between  Santa  Fe  imd 
Fort  Union,  by  Federal  troops  under  Maj. 
Chirington. 

26.  A  band  of  rebels  attacked  4  compan 
ies  of  State  militia  at  Ilumansville,  Polk 
CO.,  Mo.,  and  were  defeated  by  them  with 
a  loss  of  16  killed   and  many  wounded. 

27.  Big  Bethel,  Va.,  was  occupied  by  the 
Federal  forces. 

28.  The  Federal  gunboats  and  mortars, 
under  Corns.  Farragut  and  Porter,  attacked 
Forts  Jackson  and  St.  Philip,  La. 

28.  Gen.  Beauregard  concentrated  a  lai^ 
force  at  Corinth,  Miss. 

28.  Morgan's  rebel  cavalry  captured  a 
train  on  the  Louisville  and  Nashville  rail- 
way. The  locomotive  was  run  into  a  ditch 
and  the  cars  destroyed.    CoL  Currin  Pope, 


March,  1862. 


CHRONOLOGY. 


495 


of  K}'.,  and  several  other  Federal  officers 
were  taken  prisoners. 

28.  1,-J0<)  U.  S.  troops,  under  Col.  Slough, 
engaged  the  united  rebel  forces  of  Col. 
Scurry  and  Maj.  Pyron  at  Valle's  Ranch, 
N.  M.,  from  10  a.  m.  to  5  r.  m.,  when  an 
armistice  was  agreed  on.  A  flank  move- 
ment Ihe  next  day  by  Maj.  Chivington, 
with  400  men,  threw  the  rebels  into  con- 
fusion, and  after  burning  their  train,  they 
sought  safety  in  fliglit.  Rebel  loss,  80  killed, 
100  wounded,  93  prisoners.  Federal  loss, 
38  killed,  54  wounded,  17  prisoners.  The 
Texans  retired  to  Santa  Fe  and  the  Fed- 
erals to  Fort  Union. 

2l».  A  detachment  of  the  1st  lowia  cav- 
alry, under  Capt.  Thompson,  overtook  tl>e 
guerrilla  band  of  Col.  Parker,  10  miles  west 
•of  Warrensburg,  Mo.  15  rebels  were  killed 
and  25  taken  prisoners,  among  the  latter 
Col.  Parker  and  Captain  Walton.  2  Fed- 
erals were  killed  and  several  wounded. 

30.  Maj. -Gen  Hunter  arrived  at  Hilton 
Head,  S.  C,  and  assumed  command  of  the 
Department  of  the  South,  cimiprising  South 
Carolina,  Georgia  and  Florida. 

31.  22i»  rebels,  captured  at  Winchester, 
Va.,  arrived  at  Fort  Delaware,  Del.  Bay. 

Apr.  1.  During  a  storm  at  night,  Col. 
Roberts  with  50  picked  men  of  the  42d 
Illinois,  and  as  many  seamen  under  First 
Master  Johnson,  of  the  gunboat  St.  Louis, 
surprised  the  rebels  at  the  upper  battery 
of  Island  No.  10,  and  spiked  6  large  guns. 

1.  Col.  Carline,  commanding  the  advance 
of  Gen.  Steele's  brigade  in  Arkansas,  had 
a  skirmish  at  Putnam's  Ferry,  in  which  a 
rebel  lieutenant  and  several  privates  were 
wounded,  and  5  prisone^^s  taken. 

4.  All  of  Maryland  and  Virginia  lying 
between  the  Mountain  Department  and  the 
Blue  Ridge,  was  constituted  the  military 
Department-  of  tlie  Shenandoah,  and  as- 
signed to  Maj. -Gen.  Banks;  and  that  por- 
tion of  Virginia  east  of  the  Blue  Ridge  and 
■west  of  the  Potomac  constituted  the  De- 
partment of  the  Rappahannock,  and  was 
assigned  to  Maj.  Gen.  McDowell. 

1.  Gen.  Banks  advanced  from  Strasburg, 
Va.,  to  Woodstock,  and  thence  to  Eden- 
burg,  driving  the  enemy  with  slight  skir- 
mishing. The  railway  bridge  at  Edenburg 
■was  burnt  by  rebels  under  Gen.  Jackson. 

1.  Heavj'  bombardment  at  Island  No.  10. 

2.  Manassas  Gap,  Va.,  was  occupied  by 
CoL  Geary's  troops  by  strategy,  frustrat- 
ing a  similar  attempt  by  the  rebels. 

3.  U.  S.  Senate  passed  a  bill  for  the  abo- 
lition of  slavery  in  the  District  of  Colum- 
bia, by  a  vote  of  29  yeas,  14  naj-s. 

8.  Gen.  Steele's  forces  in  the  advance  of 
Gen.  Curtis'  army,  reached  Putnam,  Ark. 


4.'  A  schooner  containing  24  recruits  en 
route  for  the  rebel  armj',  was  captured  on 
Black  ireek,  near  the  Potomac  river,  Vn. 

4.  Tlie  Federal  gunboat  Carondelet  ran 
past  the  rebel  batteries  at  Island  No.  10, 
at  night,  without  damage,  and  arrived*  at 
New  Madrid.  t 

5.  Gen.  McClellan's  army  advanced 
through  a  severe  storm  from  Camp  Misery, 
and  after  a  tedious  march  arrived  in  front 
of  the  rebel  works,  and  commenced  the 
siege  of  Yorktown,  Va.  Heavy  firing 
throughout  the  day  resulted  in  a  loss  to 
the  Federals  of  3  killed,  22  wounded. 

5.  Federal  transports  and  barges  arrived 
at  New  Madrid,  Mo.,  through  the  inland 
channel,  cut  by  Col  Bissel's  engineer  corps, 
thus  avoiding  the  rebel  batteries  at  No.  10. 

6-7.  Battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing,  Tenn. 
The  combined  rebel  army,  under  Gens. 
Johnston  and  Beauregard,  attacked  Gen. 
Grant's  army  on  the  morning  of  the  6th. 
Federal  loss^  1,614  killed,  7,721  wounded, 
3,963  missing — total,  13,508;  rebel  loss, 
(Beauregard's  report,)  1,728  killed,  8,012 
wounded,  959  missing — total,  10,699. 

7.  Gen.  I'ope,  with  the  assistance  of  the 
gunboats  Pittsburg  and  Carondelet,  landed 
his  forces  on  the  Tennessee  shore,  opposite 
New  Madrid,  and  took  position  in  rear  of 
Island  No.  10,  at  Tipton ville. . 

7.  Island  No.  10  on  tiie  Mississippi,  and 
the  adjacent  works  on  the  Tenn.  shore,  were 
abandoned  by  the  rebels  and  taken  posses- 
sion of  by  Col  Buford's  brigade, 

7.  Apalachicola,  Fla.,  was  captured  by  the 
Federal  gunboats  Mercedita  and  Sagamore. 

8.  Surrender  of  the  rebel  army  of  5,200 
men  and  all  their  stores,  under  Gens.  Mack- 
all  and  Gantt,  to  the  Federal  forces  under 
Gen.  Paine,  of  Gen.  Pope's  division,  at  Tip- 
tonville.  Term. 

8.  Gen.  W^.  T.  Sherman  was  dispatched 
by  Gen.  Grant  with  a  large  reconnoitering 
force  on  the  (.'orintli.  Miss.,  road.  A  por- 
tion of  his  force  was  routed  by  a  charge  of 
rebel  cavalry,  and  15  killed  and  25  wounded 
of  the  77th  Ohio  regiment. 

In.  Iluntsville,  Ala.,  was  occupied  by 
Gen.  Mitchel's  forces.  200  prisoners,  15 
locomotives,  and  many  cars  captured. 

10.  BmII cries  on  Tybee  Island  com- 
menced the  altatik  of  Fort  Pulaski,  Ga. 

10.  President  Lincoln,  by  proclamation, 
recommended  tlie  people  throughout  the 
United  Stiiles  on  the  Sabbath  succeeding 
the  receipt  of  his  Proclamation  to  return 
thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  having  vouch- 
safed eigiial  victories  over  rebellious  ene- 
mies, and  also  for  having  averted  the. dan- 
gersof  foreign   interference  and  invasion. 

11.  Surrender  of  Fort  Puiaski,  Ga.,afl,ei 


496 


THE   WAR  FOB  ^-RK   UKIOX. 


April   18G2. 


a  bomViardment  of  two  dnya.  Federal 
loss,  1  kill'iil,  1  wounded;  rebels, 3  wounded 
300  prisoiHTs,  47  gun?,  40,000  lbs.  powder. 

April  11.  Tlie  rebel  steamers  Merriinac, 
Jamestown  and  Yorktown,  came  down  be- 
tween Newport  News  and  Sewall's  Point, 
on  t^e  Cliesapeake,  and  captured  3  vessels. 

11.  Severe  skirmishing  in  front  of  Yoik- 
town,  Va.,  by  General  Jameson's  brigade. 
20  of  tiie  Federals  were  killed  or  wounded. 

11.  Gen.  Ilallcck  assumed  command  of 
the  Federal  ami)-  at  Pittsburg,  'iVnn. 

12.  Gen.  Milroy,  at  Monterey,  Va.,  was 
attacked  by  a  large  force  of  rebels,  wliom 
he  rep\il?eJ  with  siiirlit  loss. 

12.  The  Charleston  and  Memphis  rail- 
way at  Chattanooga  Junction  was  seized  by 
Gen.  Mitchel's  forces,  and  2,000  rebels  and 
much  property  were  captured. 

12.  4,000  men  on  five  transports,  accom- 
panied by  the  gunboats  Lexington  and 
Tyler,  left  Pittsburg  Landing,  Tenn.,  and 
proceeded  up  tlie  Tennessee  river  to  East 
port,  Miss.,  wiiere  ttiey  landed,  and  de- 
stroyed two  bridges  on  tiie  Ohio  and  Mo- 
bile railway,  intercepting  the  rebel  com- 
munication with  Alabama.  A  body  of 
Confederate  cavalry  were  met  on  their  re- 
turn, who  were  routed,  and  four  killed. 

14.  The  U.  S.  forces  were  withdrawn 
from  Jacksonville,  Fla.,andthe  rebelssoon 
after  returning  the  loyal  inhabitants  suf- 
fered severely,  and  many  were  driven  away. 

14.  Tiie  I'otomac  fi,>lilia  ascended  the 
Rappahannock  river,  Va.,  destroying  sev- 
eral batteries.  Three  vessels  were  captured. 

14.  Com.  Foote's  morUir  boats  opened 
fire  on  Fort  Wright,  on  the  Mississippi. 

•  15.  M.  Mercier,  French  Minister  at 
Washington,  paid  an  official  visit  to  the 
rebel  authorities  at  Richmond. 

15.  E.K-Sec.  of  War  Cameron  was  arrest- 
ed at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  on  the  suit  of 
Pierce  Butler,  for  alleged  illegal  arrest. 

16.  Engagement  at  Lee's  Mill,  near 
Yorktown,  Va.  I'ederal  loss,  32  killed  and 
100  wounded.     Rtibels,  25  killed,  and  75  w. 

17.  Mount  Jack.son,  in  Shenandoah  Co., 
Va.,  was  occupied  by  Gen.  Williams' troops, 
who  captured  50  of  Ashby's  rebel  cavalry. 

17.  A  large  boat  was  swamped  at  Cas- 
tleman's  Ferry,  on  the  Shenandoah  river, 
Va.,  by  which  between  40  and  60  of  the 
•ZBth  Penn.  were  drowned,  among  them 
Adj.  Teatman,  Capts.  Wilson  and  Ward. 

il.  New  Market,  Va.,  occupied  by  Bank's 
army,  and  Fredericksburg  by  McDowell's. 

li.  Bombardment  of  Forts  Wright,  on 
the  Mississippi,  by  tlie  national  flotilla. 

17 — 24.  Bombardment  of  Fort  Jackson 
aqd  St.  Philip,  on  liie  Mir.sissippi. 

20.    Battle  .of  (".!  •  •i-n   ..r  South   Mills, 


N,  C.  G^n.  Reno's  forces  drove  the  rebels 
from  their  batteries  and  entrenchments. 
Federal  loss  in  killed  and   wounded,  90. 

22.  Rebel  steamer  J.  Robb  was  captured 
on  the  Tenn.  river  by  gunboat  Tyler. 

24.  Yorktown,  Va..  was  shelled  by  the 
Federal  gunboats. 

24.  Federal  fleet  passed  Forts  Jackson 
and  St.  i'hilip,  destroying  13  rebel  gun- 
boats, the  ram  Manassas,  and  3  transports. 

25.  New  Orleans  ca|>tured.  Rebel  bat- 
teries on  both  sides  of  the  river  destroyed. 

26.  Maj.-Gen.  C.  F.  Smith  died  at  Savan- 
nah, Tenn. 

26.  Rebel  schooner  Arctic  was  captured 
by  U.  S.  steamer  Flambeau. 

26.  Rebel  schooner  Belle  was  captured 
by  U.  S.  steamer  Uncas. 

26.  Skirmish  at  Neosho,  Mo.,  between 
Ist  Missouri  volunteers,  under  Major  Hub- 
bard, and  rebels  and  Indians  under  Cols. 
('ofTee  and  Sternwright,     Rebels  defeated. 

26.  An  advance  lunette  of  the  rebels  at 
Yorktown  was  carried  by  the  1st  Mass. 

26.  Capture  of  Fort  Macon,  N.  C,  with 
its  garrison  of  450  men  under  Col.  White, 
after  a  bombardment  of  11  hours.  Rebel 
loss,  1  killed,  18  wounded.  J'ederal  los.«, 
1  killed,  3  wounded. 

28.  Forts  St.  Philip  and  Jackscui,  I^., 
surrendered;  forts  Livingston  and  Pike 
abandoned,  and  the  rebel  iron  battery 
Louisiana  blown  up. 

3i».  Skirmish  of  Gen.  Mitchel's  forces 
with  the  rebels  near  Bridgeport,  Ala. 

May  2.  The  U.  S.  steamer  Brooklyn 
and  several  gunboats,  left  New  (.>rleans, 
ascending  the  Missi»sippi,  to  open  the  river 
and  connect  with  Commodore  Davis'  fleet. 

3.  A  reconnois-:ance  in  f«)rce  under  Gen. 
Paine  from  Pope's  division  encountered 
rebel  cavalry  pickets  near  Farmington, 
Miss.,  in  which  8  of  the  latter  were  killed. 

4.  Gen.  Stoneman's  advance  of  McClel- 
lan's  army  encountered  a  rebel  force  near 
Williamsburg,  Va.,  seven  of  whom  were 
killed  and  25  captured.  2  Feds,  killed,  20  w. 

5.  Battle  of  Williamsburg,  Va.  Gen. 
Kearney's  and  Hooker's'divisions  engaged 
the  rebel  army  under  Gen.  Longstreet 
from  dawn  till  dark,  when  the  Federals 
were  reinforced  and  rebels  defeated.  Fed, 
loss  2,073  in  killed  and  wounded,  and  623 
prisoners.    Reb.  loss  heavier,  50u  prisoners. 

6.  Skirmish  near  Harrisonburg,  Va.,  by 
Federal  troops  under  Major  Vought. 

7.  Westpoint,  Va.  Gen.  Franklin's  di- 
vision of  McClellan's  army  having  been 
conveyed  by  transports  to  the  head  of 
York  river,  effected  a  landing,  where  he 
was  attacked  by  a  force  of  rebels,  and  with 
the  aid  of  gunboats  defeated  the  enemy. 


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